United Black Male Educators Hosted ‘Educate, Empower, Elevate’ Conference

CPS students in attendance at the United Black Male Educators’ “Educate, Empower, Elevate” student empowerment conference (Credit: Chicago Public Schools). On Monday, the United Black Male Educators of Chicago Public Schools hosted its inaugural “Educate, Empower, Elevate” student empowerment conference at Olive Harvey Community College. This landmark event aims to bolster outcomes among Black male students in grades 7-12 from across the District and the city. “Chicago Public Schools is committed to preparing every student for success in college, careers and civic life. As a District, we acknowledge the disparities that exist in educational outcomes between young Black males and their peers and we are committed to removing barriers and improving outcomes for our CPS Black students,” the CPS said, in part, in a statement.& At the Educate, Empower, Elevate conference, CPS students, staff and families joined CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova, Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield, Chief Schools Officer Felicia Sanders, Principal Charles Beavers (Chairman of the United Black Male Educators of CPS), and Director of School and Community Engagement Kareem Pender (Co-Chairman of the United Black Male Educators of CPS).& The conference is one of several initiatives by CPS to address the shortage of...