On July 17, 2015, CLASP hosted its annual forum on boys and young men of color in Washington, D.C. “Investing in Young Men of Color as Community Assets” featured dynamic thought leaders discussing concrete solutions that can close the gaps in education, employment, and health outcomes for boys and young men of color.

CLASP’s forum featured a lively, honest panel discussion with leaders from local policy, academic research, direct service, and youth leadership. Making the connection to recent events and emerging opportunities, the panel discussed effective practice and policy, as well as the need for increased federal investment help youth of color climb the ladder economically. Watch the forum and access additional resources below.

Recent events in communities across the nation demonstrate the urgent need to invest in youth of color. This solution-centered dialogue presented a unique opportunity to consider the implications of federal education, workforce, and justice policy on services to young men of color and state and local policy implementation.

Read CLASP’s new brief, Investing in Young Men as Community Assets.  

Read the transcript for the forum here. 

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Olivia Golden, Executive Director, CLASP, (Washington, D.C.) @CLASP_DC

Panel Discussion: The Role of Public Policy, Youth Voice, and Solution-Centered Strategies

• Kisha Bird, Director of Youth Policy, CLASP (Washington, D.C.) |@CLASP_DC
• Gregorio Casar, Council Member, 4th District, Austin City Council (Austin, TX) | @gregoriocasar;
• Jason Reece, Senior Director of Research, The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) | @KirwanInstitute;
• Anthony D. Smith, Director for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, Office of Mayor Greg Fischer (Louisville, KY) | @ants012369; and
• Dariel Vasquez, Student Leader, Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY) | @Dariel_Vaz.