Building Bridges to
Economic Opportunity for
African American Men
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Thursday, November 19, 2015
Many African American men in Pittsburgh face significant obstacles in accessing employment opportunities or obtaining business development support needed for their families and communities to thrive. A Heinz Endowments-funded study by the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute analyzes these structural barriers and offers recommendations to government, business and philanthropic sectors on ways to ensure that black men are included in the region's pursuit of a more innovative and sustainable economy.
On Nov. 19, a Community Conversation on "Barriers & Bridges: An Action Plan for Overcoming Obstacles and Unlocking Opportunities for African American Men" will provide a chance for public discussion of the study's key findings. The report also will be released during the forum, which is sponsored by the Endowments' African American Men and Boys Task Force.
Endowments President Grant Oliphant will open the session, which will be moderated by Dr. Larry E Davis, dean of the University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work and director of the Center on Race and Social Problems. Panelists will include Dr. Margaret Simms, an Urban Institute Fellow and lead researcher for the study; Kevin Acklin, Mayor William Peduto's chief of staff and development officer; William Generett, president and CEO of Urban Innovation 21; and Dr. Robert A. Meeder, president and CEO of Pittsburgh Gateways Corp., and a member of the Energy Innovation Center Institute board.
The forum will take place at the Hill House Association's Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, beginning with refreshments at 5:30 p.m. and followed by the program from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required by Nov. 12 because seating is limited.