The Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Paul Simon Public Policy Institute hosted its 19th Metro East Youth Leadership Weekend Nov. 2-3, welcoming over 40 Black males, grades eight through 12 on the SIU-C campus.
The 2024 theme was “Leadership: Young Men Making Your Mark in a Digital Age.” The students engaged in activities designed to promote career awareness, servant leadership and political involvement.
John Shaw, Policy Institute director, said the Leadership Weekend is one of its key programs.
“It’s very inspiring to see these young men work together and develop leadership skills that will grow and flourish in the years to come. The alumni of this program are hugely impressive and underscore the power of this leadership weekend,” said Shaw.
Alderman Ronnie Mosley, who represents Chicago’s 21st Ward, delivered Saturday’s keynote address. He is Chicago’s youngest alderperson and serves one of the city’s largest south side wards.
The late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, who founded the institute along with then-associate director Mike Lawrence and SIU-C professor Linda Renee Baker, established the program in November 2003.
“I’m delighted to welcome this group of students back to campus as we continue advancing Paul Simon’s mission to build African American male leadership in the Metro East area,” Baker said.
“Our program’s success over the years is due to the crucial support of our community partners. Their continued support makes all the difference, and this year will be no exception.”