An Indianapolis pastor held a "Black Men Matter" Young Men's conference to provide an avenue for young black men to discuss their worth in society.
The low key event was led by Rev. Shaune R. Shelby, the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, who wanted to spread a positive message to teens from 9<sup>th to 12<sup>th grade by showing them their lives mattered.
Shelby was joined by mentors from business, academia, and intercollegiate athletics, who led discussions on leadership skills, career choices and financial literacy, a far cry from the topics of dropout rates, unplanned parenthood and crime that often dominate conferences around young men.
"We must change the conversation with our young men and be more inspiring and empowering. Change comes when people talk about life skills, achievement and goals," Shelby said in an interview with the Indy Star.
Eddie Journey, one of the mentors, said that the difficulties these young men face starts with their own perception of their worth.
"The whole idea of 'matter' is to take up space. That's a very powerful dynamic for me. We are often times taught to excuse ourselves from taking up space. Taking up space is a continuing struggle for many black men. It's about mattering," he said.
He added that the conference sought to dispel the young men's negative notions about their role in society and help them realise their true purpose in life.
Even though the conference is over, Shelby wants the young men to continue the conversation through a virtual mentoring programme in which mentors will continue to keep in touch with the boys through email or social media to provide them with the support they need.
He said he also wants to make the conference an annual event.
"I want to create a national movement. We think black is strong. It represents power. It represents strength," he said.
