Detroit Mayor Bing To Speak At 'Boys to Men' Education Forum Tomorrow

Vanguard Community Development Corporation & Michigan First Credit Union Present 'Boys to Men' Education Forum ~ November 14

Mayor Dave Bing among featured speakers to improve Detroit's high school graduation rate

DETROIT,  -- With a high school graduation rate of 25% and great concern about youth violence, several area civic and community leaders, educators and youth are joining forces with a goal of making recommendations to improve the graduation rate and prevent youth violence, substance abuse and other negatives that often lead to dropping out, which will take place at Vanguard Community Development Corporation's "Boys to Men: Youth Thrust into Manhood" education forum featuring speaking presentations, panel discussions and break-out sessions for adults and youth.

Event: "Boys to Men: Youth Thrust into Manhood," Education Forum

Guests and Timeline:

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Speakers Mayor Dave Bing, Vanguard Chairman Bishop Edgar Vann II, Vanguard Executive Director Scott Alan Davis, Detroit Deputy Police Chief James Tolbert and Detroit Public Schools Regional Superintendent Derrick Coleman

10:30 a.m.-12 Noon Panel Discussion with Moderator Fox 2 Anchorman Huel Perkins

Panelists include: John Bolden, Wayne County Community College Vice Chancellor; Sean Vann, Frederick Douglass Academy Principal; Steve McMillan, Ryan Correctional Facility Corrections Officer; Ex-offender Terell Topps will share his story and discuss the consequences of negative behavior; 36th District Court Judge Willie Lipscomb; and Northwestern High School Student Walter McKnight, a member of Vanguard's Boys to Men program.

12:15 p.m. Luncheon Speaker ~ Quency Phillips, Founder of REAL(TM) (Real Education About Life)

1 p.m.-2 p.m. Facilitated breakout sessions by Wayne County Community College students to answer the questions "Why do youth drop out of high school?" and "What can we do about it?"

2 p.m.-3 p.m. Wrap up with audience and recommendations discussed

When: Saturday, - 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Wayne County Community College Downtown Detroit Campus, located at 1001 W. Fort Street.

To Attend: The event is free and open to the public. A light lunch and continental breakfast will be served. Residents interested in attending are asked to pre-register by contacting Vanguard CDC at 313.872.7831 or visitwww.vanguardcdc.org. Walk-in registration will also be available on site.

Vanguard Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a comprehensive, holistic community service and development organization that works to facilitate, coordinate and ignite education development, economic development and community development. Founded in 1994, Vanguard CDC has programs and services that encourage and engage economic growth and investment in these areas. In its 15th year, Vanguard has invested more than $47,000,000 and has served 27,000 individuals in Detroit. It is the non-profit development arm of Second Ebenezer Church. Vanguard's annual campaign appeal and raffle is located at www.vanguardcdc.org.

    CONTACT:  Peggy Goodwin, APR
              313.715.0199
              248.376.0390 cellular
              Goodwinconsulting.us
              Shelly Najor, PhD
              248.396.0508 cellular

SOURCE Vanguard Community Development Corporation