Ford Fund's Men of Courage, Morehouse College Host National Leadership Forum
Virtual Black History Month event will spotlight entrepreneurship
DEARBORN, Mich. — With a mission to advance the narrative of African American men, Ford Fund's Men of Courage has recognized Black men across the United States for their many achievements and contributions to our communities and our world.
Virtual Leadership Forum
This week, Ford Fund's Men of Courage program turns its focus to African American entrepreneurs in a two-day virtual National Leadership Forum. The forum is conducted in partnership with Morehouse College. Participants receive resources and tools that empower success as well as an opportunity to connect with other men pursuing similar goals. Day one of the Men of Courage Leadership Forum will explore the power of leadership and includes a workshop with Sirius XM host Dion Summers on how to develop your own personal brand. The second day will feature a discussion about creating your business plan and includes a conversation with Joe Madison, the Sirius XM host and Radio Hall of Fame inductee.
"Since its launch, Ford Fund's Men of Courage has recognized and amplified the contributions of African American men through storytelling and community building," said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. "Ford Fund not only celebrates Black History Month, but the builds a brighter future through social and economic mobility programs such as Men of Courage and this leadership forum."
The two-day virtual forum is being held Feb. 16 and 17 and will be open to public participation from 8-9 p.m. ET each day. The virtual summit will be streamed on the Men of Courage Facebook and YouTube channels.
Andrew Young Film Series
Launched last month, Ford Fund's Men of Courage and the Andrew Young Foundation present a series of monthly films documenting important milestones and renowned leaders of the civil rights movement. Hosted by Andrew Young—the former United Nations Ambassador, U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights Icon—the film series focuses on the difficult journey, historic achievements and inspiring moments that still resonate today in 2021.
The next film, "Change in the Wind," is available starting at midnight eastern time on Feb. 18 and runs through 3 a.m. EST on Feb. 19. The film will be streamed on the Men of Courage Facebook and YouTube channels.
History of Ford Fund's Men of Courage
Launched in Detroit in 2015, Men of Courage connects Black men from local communities to build relationships and change the narrative around African American men in society. Since the program launch, Ford Fund has expanded Men of Courage's reach to include cities such as Los Angeles and Baltimore. Men of Courage programming has also expanded. In 2019, the Men of Courage Barbershop Challenge launched in Cincinnati. A cornerstone of the African American community, the program worked with barbershops to develop programs that empower African American men.
Men of Courage has grown into an essential and enduring part of Ford Fund's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Advancing conversations that address racial understanding and social injustice are among the many ways Ford Fund is working to create stronger communities and make people's lives better.