Black Thought joins 'Engaging Males of Color' speaker series

First Person Arts has teamed up with The City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services to amplify the stories of men of color with a the Engaging Males of Color initiative. To kick it off, the "BEyond Expectations: Engaging Males of Color" three-part storytelling series will launch Friday, July 31 with an event at Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

During the event, a diverse range of speakers will discuss the black male experience. Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots, former boxing champion Bernard Hopkins and DJ and producer Rich Medina will all share their stories with the crowd. Four local storytellers, Michael Green, Professor Gregory King, Christian Axavier Lovehall and Russell Walker, will join them. Together they'll share the stories of a U.S. veteran overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder, the transgender black male experience, loved ones lost to gun violence and more. 

Before the event, the general public will have the chance to speak with DBHIDS Commissioner Dr. Arthur C. Evans, who designed the EMOC initiative. After the speakers present, the conversation will open up to the audience to share their stories and participate in a Q&A period.

Two additional EMOC speaking events are soon to be announced. 

"BEyond Expectations: Engaging Males of Color"