As keynote speaker for the 12th annual Male Leadership Conference, held at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, Judge Jimmie Edwards knew what he was talking about.
“Less than 50 fathers were present out of 10,000 hearings,” Edwards said of his experience as presiding judge of St. Louis City Family Courts.
“Ninety percent of those children were African-American.”
The YWCA St. Louis Head Start, which organizes the event, expanded its yearly male conference to a two-day event this year, March 11-12, with the support of 21 different organizations.
YWCA St. Louis Head Start works year-around to support the involvement of positive male role models in children’s lives. Healthy family relationships, health and wellness, literacy and entrepreneurship were a few of the sessions males attended.
In his remarks, Edwards focused on fathers who need to stay or become involved in their children’s lives. He said fathers need to do more than give empty words and promises.
“Fathers must be a central element. It’s the simplest things children are looking for,” Edwards said.
“Dreams guarantee their success. Your legacy should be woven into the heart and minds and others.”
After his speech, Edwards answered questions from the audience and offered background on the school he started, Innovation Concept Academy at Blewettt, which is a public alternative school for grades 6-12.
Thomas Johnson, male involvement specialist for YWCA St. Louis Head Start, said this conference helps men understand life skills.
“This conference gives a time to network and understand issues and how to be within a child’s life,” Johnson said.
Edwards agreed.
“Education is key. Men in particular who are in challenging positions have not been given adequate information about responsibility, valedictory paternity, concerning HIV and AIDS and their legal responsibility,” Edwards said.
“Conferences like this educate. They receive info that will enhance. Raising children doesn’t come automatically. This conference teaches men how to be a father.”
Tyrone Gibbs approached Edwards with his story and how he didn’t let his past keep him down. Gibbs was raised in foster care and has felonies on his record, but now is an entrepreneur and president of his own contracting company.
Gibbs attends the conference to share his story and keep learning how to grow and remain in a positive direction.
“As we may think we’re being men, it’s a lot we don’t know. This conference really puts a person in a stage where they can be in a position to correct their selves,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs gave encouraging words to young men in the foster care system, young fathers or anyone who isn’t living their life to the fullest.
“Do not let one stumble stop to where you wanna go. Trouble doesn’t last a long time,” Gibbs said.
“I hope young men today have that drive and initiative to want to do something, not just wanting to take the detour, the easy way out.”