North Omaha continued a 17‑year tradition of youth empowerment on Saturday as the Striving for Success summit welcomed ninth‑grade boys, their families and a roster of mentors, professionals and community leaders. The event, organized by the Empowerment Network’s My Brother’s Keeper program, aims to give young Black men the tools, connections and confidence they need to thrive beyond the classroom.
Mentors and Leaders Share Guidance
“Your freshman year is the most important year of your life. It sets the trajectory for success, or failure at the same time,” said Curtis Morgan, My Brother’s Keeper manager at the Empowerment Network. Morgan emphasized that the summit’s purpose is to help students start high school on the right foot and build a lasting foundation for future achievement.
Throughout the day, participants attended workshops and panel discussions covering a range of topics, including college preparation, career pathways, and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. Speakers highlighted the challenges of navigating spaces where they may be the only Black man in the room and offered practical strategies for confidence and resilience.
Alumni Return as Mentors
One of the summit’s most powerful symbols of continuity is the involvement of former participants who have returned as mentors. Many of these alumni have gone on to attend college, enter the workforce or serve in the military, and now give back by guiding the next generation. Their presence underscores the event’s long‑term impact and the community’s commitment to lifting one another.
Attendance Adjustments, Same Mission
Attendance was lower this year because the summit fell on a non‑school day, a scheduling shift that organizers said was unavoidable. “Sometimes you just have to go with the flow of the district…pivot to non‑school days versus doing it on a school day,” Morgan explained. “Those are all changes that affect some of the people in the room, but the purpose always stays the same.”
Despite the smaller crowd, the summit’s core mission remained unchanged: to prepare these young men not only as students but as future leaders in their families, neighborhoods and beyond.
Community Support and Future Plans
The event was supported by local businesses, churches and civic organizations, all of which contributed time, resources and expertise. Organizers indicated that they are already planning next year’s summit, with a focus on expanding mentorship opportunities and securing a school‑day date to maximize student participation.
For parents and guardians interested in getting involved, the Empowerment Network encourages volunteers to sign up as mentors, speakers or sponsors. Contact information is available on the organization’s website.
As North Omaha continues to invest in its youth, the Striving for Success summit stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, faith‑based encouragement and a shared commitment to the next generation’s prosperity.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
