WayMaker Men’s Summit creates safe space for Black men

City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on the WayMaker Men’s Summit Stage with Founder Louis Carr. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.
City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on the WayMaker Men’s Summit Stage with Founder Louis Carr. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.

WayMaker Men’s Summit creates safe space for Black men

By Tia Carol Jones

WayMaker kicked off its 2023 WayMaker Men’s Summit on Friday, Sept. 15th, with Jay Ellis, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Troy Vincent, David Mann, Dr. Courtney Hollowell and Dr. Montgomery Coltrane Curtis, as well as Derrick Rose. The two-day event took place at Convene at the Willis Tower Friday-Saturday, Sept. 15th-16th.

In addition to the speakers, who sat down with WayMaker Founder Louis Carr, there were activations for attendees to enjoy and the opportunity for men to network and fellowship with one another. The theme of this year’s event was Breaking Out of your Comfort Zone. On the second day, Ross Mac and Xavier Miller, Nick Cannon, Dwyane Wade and Joseph Hines, as well as Curtiss Cook and Jacob Latimore from Showtime’s “The Chi” were in attendance.

Ken’Te L. Kizer, a Recording Artist, Health Advocate, Poet and Author, wanted to attend the event, to network and for the experience of being at an event that focused on men. Kizer, who goes by King Kunta, described the event as amazing and said the experience was “mind blowing.”

“Connecting and seeing people, being able to take pictures and experience the activations, as well as interact and fellowship with the other young men and older men, it’s been amazing,” he said.

Mayor Brandon Johnson sat down with Louis Carr and talked about Black liberation and his first few months in office. He said he was humbled by the outpouring support the community showed him.

“Chicago is a remarkable place, we are the greatest city in the world,” Johnson said during his conversations with Carr. “Something that is quite dynamic about Chicago is the deep roots that we have.”

Johnson added that Chicago is thriving and the people who live in the city want it to thrive. When it comes to values that Johnson’s father instilled in him, he said, it was to figure it out and not give up. Johnson said someone who has been a Waymaker in his life is The Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Actor David Mann talked about his journey as a performer during the last 30 years and his mission to put out the best content and letting things happen. Mann said he learned how to dream big because he just wanted better and wanted more. His dream was to make someone feel like a million bucks.

“When I walk up to a brother and a brother engages me, I want him to feel my heart. I want you, for that two seconds that you engage me, I want you to know, that it’s me and you and whatever you have to say to me, I hear you,” Mann said.

Mann said he raises the bar because he never gets comfortable. He said it was a privilege to be able to sit on a stage and have a platform where he can reach others. He learned to live outside his comfort zone because he dared to look at what he wanted and find the positive aspects of life.

Kizer said the WayMaker Men’s Summit left a lasting impression on him. “I leave here knowing that I am a Waymaker and everybody here should leave here knowing that you are a Waymaker. I’m excited to volunteer tomorrow for the Teen Summit,” Kizer said. “Chicago, know, especially the men, that you are a Waymaker.”

For more information about WayMaker, visit www.waymakerjournal.com.

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