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Live at the Virtual Barbershop: Black Men in Leadership—From Conversation to Sustainable Action
April 8, 2022 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Join us at the virtual barbershop as we talk about life … REAL life. Being Black in America means many things, but one of the most prevalent issues is experiencing racism daily on multiple fronts. From standard microaggressions on up to direct confrontations, the men who’ll be waiting on their haircuts at our barbershop have experienced it all.
Black Men in Leadership: From Conversation to Sustainable Action
In a climate where awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion conversations has heightened, Black men are still few and far between in high-level leadership positions. Further, the limited number of Black males in leadership roles experience tremendous pressure characterized by fear, anxiety, and stress. Black males are often challenged with needing to comply with the cultural status quo and mask their authentic identities.
At this virtual barbershop, Black male executives across the U.S. will examine and discuss their leadership journeys. To drive toward meaningful change, we’ll uncover practical recommendations and strategies. During this conversation, we’ll discuss:
- How we can recognize the real experiences and challenges many Black men face in leadership positions
- The factors that influence the professional journey of Black males to the C-suite
- How best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion can guide sustainable positive impact for Black men in leadership
About the Virtual Barbershop
The barbershop is the one of the few safe places where Black men feel very comfortable in having candid conversations on just about anything. All over America, the barbershop continues to serve as a second home and place of refuge, healing, and compassion for Black men.
This virtual space will feature several Black male executives from around the country, sharing their experiences and recommendations for advancing anti-racist leadership and championing equity-focused action in human services organizations. Just like in any barbershop, anyone is welcome to drop in at any time based on their availability and interest.
Catch Up with the Barbers on Previous Visits
- Leading Positive Change amid Social and Political Unrest
- Black Male Executives on COVID-19
- Addressing COVID-19 Disparities and the Vaccine Rollout
- Building Family Resilience by Supporting Black Fathers
- Supporting Black Students in the Classroom
Takeaways
- How dominant culture challenges Black males in leadership roles
- How best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion can guide sustainable positive impact for Black men in leadership
- Strategies that positively impact Black men currently in leadership roles and create pathways for additional Black men aspiring to leadership
Who Should Participate
- Executives
- Directors
- Program managers
- Human resources staff
- Board members
The Barbers

Undraye P. Howard
Senior Director and Special Advisor to the CEO for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Social Current

Romero Davis
Senior Program Manager for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current
Waiting on a Haircut

Raphael Holloway
CEO
Gateway Center in Atlanta

Claude A. Robinson Jr.
Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Diversity
UCAN in Chicago

George Winn
COO
The Children’s Center in Detroit

Jesse McLean
Executive Director of Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio
Pressley Ridge in Pittsburgh

Jonathan Palmer
Executive Director
Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul, Minnesota

Julius Mullen Sr.
Executive Director
BASSE in Georgetown, Delaware

Reyahd D.J. Kazmi
Director of Business and Government Strategies
National Youth Advocate Program in Columbus, Ohio