Readout of White House Convening of Black Male Leaders and Entrepreneurs

On Friday, the White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a Celebration of Black Men, an event highlighting the achievements of Black male leaders and entrepreneurs across the fields of professional sports, arts and design, media, academia, and finance. The event underscored the Administration’s commitment to investing in Black Americans’ ability to succeed by expanding access to economic opportunity – a key part of Bidenomics.

Event participants comprised over 120 Black men including members of national and local community organizations, university students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other regional institutions, government officials, and leaders from the private sector.

During a panel conversation moderated by Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Public Engagement Stephen Benjamin, Black entrepreneurs had the opportunity to discuss their respective journeys navigating different industries, and provided insights and advice for younger audience members in attendance. Participants also celebrated Black male White House and Agency leaders representing the most diverse Administration in history.

Officials emphasized the Administration’s dedication to furthering the implementation of the President’s policy agenda to secure and expand the unprecedented gains made for Black Americans. This historic event marked a continuation of the White House’s 2024 celebration of Black History Month.

Biden-Harris Administration Participants:

• Stephen Benjamin, Assistant to the President, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement
• Michael Smith, CEO of Americorps
• Eric Morrissette, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce Performing the Nonexclusive Functions and Duties of the Under Secretary for Minority Business Development
• Taylor Wright, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement

Program Participants:

• Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24)
• Jason Wright, President, Washington Commanders
• Olajuwon Ajanaku, Founder, Eastside Golf
• Jarrid Tingle, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Harlem Capital
• Dr. Brandon Frame, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, TheBlackManCan Inc.
• Rashan Brown, Founder, Poetry Me, Please

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