More than 500 young men of color expected at annual summit

More than 500 young men of color, including Federal Way Public Schools students, are expected to attend Highline College’s 2016 Black and Brown Summit this Saturday. Approximately 65 Federal Way students attended last year.

The free event is geared toward high school students in King and Pierce counties who are undecided about attending college. Started in 2011, the summit is the longest-running event of its kind in Western Washington.

The goal of the summit is to empower, encourage and educate young men of color while addressing the obstacles and barriers they face in succeeding in higher education and in life. Highline serves the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the state, which is reflected in its student body that includes more than 70 percent students of color.

Kevin Powell will give the keynote address: “#TheEducationofMe: Why Young Men of Color Matter.” A writer, speaker and activist, Powell is one of the nation’s leading political, literary and hip-hop voices.

The summit will be held from 8:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Highline College’s Student Union building. The campus is located at 2400 S. 240th St. in Des Moines.

Sponsors include the Rotary Club of Federal Way, United Way of King County, Highline College Foundation and Highline College Office of the President.