THEME: "THE MANDATE"
A mandate is more than an assignment—it is a responsibility to lead, build, serve, and leave a lasting legacy.
THE MANDATE challenges Black men to embrace their purpose with courage, strengthen their families and communities, pursue healing and personal growth, build wealth and opportunity, and become intentional leaders in every area of life.
Throughout the conference, participants will engage in powerful keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful conversations centered on identity, mental and emotional well-being, relationships, leadership, and legacy.
Interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics, from personal development and leadership to health and wellness and community engagement.
This is more than a conference.
It is an invitation to answer the call, accept the responsibility, and commit to the work that continues long after the event through THE MANDATE, our year-long community initiative focused on accountability, collaboration, and measurable impact.
The conversation begins here.
THE MANDATE begins with you.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT TO EXPECT:
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Hear from dynamic leaders who are shaping the future and inspiring change in the Black community. Our keynote speakers will deliver powerful messages on topics that matter most to you—mindset, success, and personal empowerment.
STORYTELLING SESSIONS
Listen to powerful stories of resilience, triumph, and overcoming adversity. Our storytelling sessions highlight the lived experiences of Black men and provide valuable lessons in navigating life’s challenges.
HEALING CIRCLES
Experience profound healing in a safe space where you can reflect, share, and reconnect with yourself. Our healing circles provide emotional and mental support, encouraging you to release burdens and reclaim your strength.
WORKSHOP &
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics, from personal development and leadership to health and wellness and community engagement.
THE JOURNEY TO KINGSHIP
RITE OF PASSAGE
Embark on a powerful rite of passage, designed exclusively for Black men. This journey will guide you through stages of personal development and transformation, preparing you to step into your purpose and take your rightful place as a leader in your life, family, and community.
NETWORKING & COMMUNITY BUILDING
Social gatherings and networking sessions to build valuable connections within the African American male community.
FEATURING
THE JOURNEY TO KINGSHIP
RITE OF PASSAGE
FOR 18-25 YEAR OLDS ONLY
IDENTITY
RESPONSIBILITY
LEGACY
The Journey to Kingship Rite of Passage is a powerful experience designed for young men ages 18–25 who are stepping into leadership, responsibility, and purpose. Participants will engage with mentors, leaders, and elders through conversations that explore identity, legacy, and the responsibilities of manhood.
This experience is intentionally designed to provide young men with a space for growth, reflection, brotherhood, and leadership preparation.
What Participants Will Experience
During the conference, Rite of Passage participants will take part in their own specialized program focused on mentorship, identity, responsibility, and leadership development.
Their experience includes:
• A guided Rite of Passage leadership journey
• Mentorship and small-group discussions
• Leadership and life-skills development conversations
• Brotherhood-building activities with fellow participants
the FOUNDING 50
BE ONE OF THE FIRST 50 MEN TO REGISTER
THE MEN WHO SET IT IN MOTION
As we launch the inaugural Dear Black Man Conference, we recognize that every movement begins with a group of men willing to step forward first.
The Founding 50 are the first 50 men to secure their place in this gathering—men who understand the importance of brotherhood, leadership, and legacy.
These are the men who didn’t wait. They moved.
They showed up.
They helped establish what will become a lasting experience for generations to come.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
Being part of the Founding 50 is a mark of commitment, leadership, and presence.
The Founding 50 will be:
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Recognized during the opening ceremony
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Exclusive Founding 50 commemorative digital badge
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Honored as contributors to the foundation of the Dear Black Man Conference
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Receive a Certificate of Recognition (printed)
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Conference Badge Recognition
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Post conference incentives
A LEGACY THAT LIVES BEYOND THIS YEAR
Years from now, when the Dear Black Man Conference has impacted thousands of men across the nation, there will always be one group remembered for helping lay the foundation.
History doesn't remember everyone who arrived. It remembers those who helped build it. Become one of the Founding 50 of the Dear Black Man Conference.
History Begins With Those Who Show Up First.
FEATURING
THE DEAR BLACK MAN
LEADERSHIP BRUNCH
SEPTEMBER 16th
INFLUENCE
ALIGNMENT
IMPACT
The Gathering Before the Movement Begins
Before the conference doors open, leaders from across sectors will gather for a powerful moment of connection, vision, and collaboration.
The Dear Black Man Leadership Brunch serves as the official kickoff to the Dear Black Man Conference—bringing together influential voices committed to strengthening and uplifting Black men and boys.
This curated gathering creates space for leaders to share insight, build relationships, and align around the collective work of empowering our communities.
A Room of Leaders and Influencers
These voices represent the ecosystems that shape opportunity, access, and advancement for Black men.
What Will Happen at the Leadership Brunch
• Relationship building among influential leaders
• Conversations around solutions and collaboration
• Insight from key voices across sectors
• Vision-setting for the Dear Black Man Conference weekend
• A powerful kickoff to a day of powerful transformation
Why This Gathering Matters
When leaders from different sectors come together with a shared purpose, new possibilities are created. The Dear Black Man Leadership Brunch is designed to spark meaningful dialogue, inspire collaboration, and strengthen the collective commitment to supporting Black men and the next generation of leaders.
This gathering sets the tone for everything that follows during the Dear Black Man Conference.
YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE
"DEAR BLACK MAN” is more than just an event; it's a movement dedicated to uplifting and honoring African American men.
general admission
VIP
EXPERIENCE
The Dear Black Man Conference is more than an event—it is a gathering of brothers committed to growth, leadership, healing, and legacy. For 1 powerful day, men from across the country will come together for transformative conversations, mentorship, and the Journey to Kingship Rite of Passage.
VENUE
MOREHOUSE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
720 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST: 8:00 AM
The DEAR BLACK MAN Conference will create an environment where you can come together to share, learn, and grow. Our objective is to address critical issues, provide valuable insights, and inspire personal and professional growth within the African American male community.
GET INVOLVED:
Join us in creating a nurturing and transformative space where African American men can empower themselves, inspire each other, and celebrate their unique journeys. Be part of the movement at the "DEAR BLACK MAN" conference and make a difference in the lives of African American men and their communities.
If you are interested in sponsoring, partnership opportunities, volunteering, or participating in the "DEAR BLACK MAN” become a Partner in Impact.
HOSTED BY
LADY LEASE L. YOUMANS
Lease L. Youmans is the founder of We Are Still Kings and the visionary behind the Dear Black Man Leadership Brunch and Conference—a leadership and empowerment movement created to uplift, equip, and transform the lives of African American men.
Over the past five years, she has led and contributed to work centered on systemic change, including advancing father-friendly policies that strengthen the role, well-being, and presence of fathers, while also supporting justice-impacted men and addressing homelessness in African American communities throughout Metro Atlanta.
