2026 My Brother's Keeper Symposium
Symposium Date:
May 21, 2026
7:30 AM
Empire State Plaza
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Breakout Sessions
Each session is 50-60 minutes, inclusive of Q&A.
Built, Not Given: The R.E.A.P. Framework for Turning Daily Decisions into Results
Swyer Theater
Presenter: Mr. Brad Butler II
In this high-energy, student-centered session, nationally recognized speaker and youth development expert Brad Butler II challenges young men to rethink success, not as talent or luck, but as the result of daily decisions and repeated habits. Drawing from his personal journey, from overcoming adversity and special education placement to earning a master’s degree and becoming a nationally sought-after speaker, Brad delivers a message that is both relatable and transformative.
At the core of this experience is the R.E.A.P. Framework: Resiliency, Execution, Accountability, and Purpose. Students will explore how their current behaviors are actively shaping their future outcomes and will be challenged to take ownership of their decisions, discipline, and direction. Through real stories, reflection, and direct engagement, participants will see that success is not something they wait for, it is something they build through what they consistently practice.
Freedom Schools in Action: Filling the Gap When Systems Fall Short
Meeting Room 5
Presenter: Mr. Brian Favors
When schools do not fully meet the academic, cultural, and identity needs of students, communities must respond with intention, strategy, and clarity of purpose. This interactive workshop introduces the modern Freedom School model as a powerful, community-based approach to developing literacy, identity, leadership, and civic agency in young people.
Participants will examine why Freedom Schools are needed, what gaps they are designed to address, and how they create high-impact learning environments rooted in culture, belonging, and empowerment. Through real-world examples from Brooklyn’s newly launched Freedom School, attendees will explore how to design and implement similar experiences that supplement traditional schooling and accelerate student growth.
Participants will leave with:
- A clear understanding of the historical and modern purpose of Freedom Schools
- A framework for identifying gaps in current school systems
- Practical strategies to design culturally grounded, high-impact learning spaces
- Tools to build student identity, literacy, and leadership beyond the classroom
- A step-by-step blueprint to launch or pilot an MBK Freedom School model
Grow Your Own: How Campus High School is Building a Student-to-Teacher Pipeline Through Exposure, Experience, and College Credit
Meeting Room 1
Presenters: Superintendent Gary Beidleman (moderator), Principal David Fanning, Mr. Markland Walker (teacher), and students: Emmanuel Opoku, Kierra Ramirez, Savion Utshudi
This dynamic and engaging breakout session brings together students, educators, and system leaders for a panel presentation and interactive conversation on building sustainable, culturally responsive teacher pipelines. Panelists will explore the Purpose, Process, and Payoff of preparing the next generation of educators, particularly young men of color, from within our own school communities. Participants will examine how the program responds to the urgent need to diversify the educator workforce by cultivating talent directly from New York City public schools.
Through a structured sequence of coursework, dual enrollment opportunities, and immersive work-based learning experiences, students engage in internships, apprenticeships, and yearlong practicums where they serve as teaching assistants, gain real classroom experience, and participate in paid summer fieldwork aligned to career pathways in education. Aligned to NY Inspires, this session highlights how the program develops students as critical thinkers, effective communicators, creative innovators, global citizens, and reflective, future-focused leaders, grounded in culturally responsive-sustaining education, and prepared for college, career, and civic life
From Potential to Performance: What Young Men Need from MBK
Meeting Room 2
Presenter: Mr. Rashaun Banjo, Prolific Consulting Services, LLC
This workshop examines what young men need immediately to succeed academically, develop a strong sense of identity, and experience psychological safety and connection through and beyond My Brother’s Keeper. Participants will engage in a structured approach grounded in research and real-world implementation. The session is organized around three core drivers of success: Academic Performance, with strategies to increase engagement, accountability, and measurable outcomes through high-expectation systems and asset-based practices; Identity Development, with tools to strengthen self-image, purpose, and resilience grounded in belongingness theory and identity formation research; and Brotherhood & Belonging, with practical approaches using Unlocking the Greatness Within and other resources to build connection, trust, and peer accountability.
Participants will analyze real case examples, experience replicable protocols, and apply practical strategies that can be implemented immediately across schools, districts, and MBK chapters. The session concludes with guided reflection, strategic planning, and a structured Q&A to support next-step implementation.
Continuing Presence: Indigenous Voices, History, and Resilience in New York
Meeting Rooms 2 and 3
Presenter: Jocelyn J. Jones
This workshop is an interactive, community-centered session aligned to the mission of My Brother’s Keeper. This experience connects Indigenous history to present-day realities, highlighting the critical roles of identity, mentorship, leadership, and belonging in shaping strong individuals and communities.
Participants will explore the enduring presence and contributions of Indigenous nations in New York, examine how history continues to influence lived experiences, and reflect on their own identities as a foundation for leadership. Through storytelling and dialogue, the session emphasizes intergenerational mentorship, cultural pride, and collective responsibility for building inclusive, informed communities. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and practical ways to engage respectfully while strengthening their own leadership and connection to others.
How to Claim Your Share of Billions in College Aid: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Workshop
Meeting Room 4
Presenter: Mr. Jeffrey Joseph, Training Manager, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Led by an expert from New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, Mr. Jeffrey Joseph, this session is designed to demystify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and empower students, families, and educators to access their share of more than $3-$4 billion often left over in available funding. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how FAFSA works, who qualifies, and how to complete the application accurately and on time. The workshop will highlight common mistakes that cost families money, key deadlines, and strategies to maximize federal, state, and institutional aid.
The session will include a live walkthrough of the FAFSA application and a practical, step-by-step checklist, ensuring participants leave with the tools, confidence, and clarity needed to complete and submit their application successfully. Whether you are supporting students directly or navigating the process yourself, this session ensures no eligible dollars are left on the table.