Organizers say the upcoming program will engage, educate and entertain students. A cross-section of community leaders will serve as panelists during this year’s “Issues Forum.” Invited guest include:

• Dr. Crawford Lewis,  Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools

• Dr. Angela Pringle, Principal at Arabia Mountain High School

• Hon. Desiree Sutton Peagler, Chief Judge of DeKalb County Juvenile and Truancy Courts

• Chauncey Davis, Defensive End for the Atlanta Falcons

• James Rayford, Director of Academic Support Gwinnett County Public Schools

• Andrew Toney, retired NBA Player Philadelphia 76rs and currently the Academic Support Coach Null County  Schools

“Our goal is to establish a dialog among community leaders centered on identifying available resources and proven solutions that will aid in reducing the dropout rate in DeKalb County schools,” said  Cornelius Stafford chair of the 100 Black Men’s Youth Summit Committee.

Jack Harris, president of Junior Achievement of Georgia, which serves more than 120,000 students throughout the state to provide them with workforce preparedness, has collaborated with the 100 Black Men in developing the training curriculum that will be used during breakout sessions. Key topics discussed during these sessions include: the importance of a good education in securing high wage earning jobs; the importance of financial literacy; and “The 7 Perils of Not Finishing High School.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and other leaders say that education is the most important American civil rights issue of the 21st century. It is estimated that 1.3 million students drop out of school each year.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates 90 percent of new high-growth, high-wage jobs will require some level of post secondary education. It is estimated the U.S. economy losses 45 billion dollars annually in tax revenue as a result of poorly educated unemployed or underemployed citizens.

If you are a parent of an at risk student in jeopardy of dropping out of school or just a concerned parent who would like your child to participate in an event that will inspire and challenge them to pursue excellence in their academic career, register for the Youth Summit online at www.dekalb100blackmen.org or contact the 100 Black Men of DeKalb office at 404-288-2772.