COSEBOC Annual Gathering 2013
Young, Gifted and Literate:
Boys and Young Men of Color Prepared for the Future
April 25-27, 2013, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Download Gathering Program [pdf]
Awards Ceremony [pdf]
Greetings COSEBOC friends and colleagues,
On April 25-27,2013, over 600 people representing 32 states and 130 localities came to the 7th annual Gathering of Leaders in Chicago, Illinois. This was an historic event for COSEBOC not only in terms of the record numbers but in the quality of engagement, networking, and learning that took place.
I am still deeply humbled and thankful for the enormous support extended by our hosts - the University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC's Forum, and particularly by College of Education Dean Victoria Chou and Professor Alfred Tatum. It is also with great appreciation that I salute Urban Prep Academies for their involvement. We are also extremely thankful for all of our sponsors and collaborating partners. Your contributions and support were keys to our success.
Above all, and on behalf of the entire COSEBOC staff and Board of Directors, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every person who registered and attended this year's Gathering. My thanks also go to those who became members prior to the event. Your commitment and belief in the COSEBOC mission is critical to the work going forward.
I encourage all in attendance to hold on to the powerful moments witnessed and experienced. I encourage you to commit to at least one action on behalf of our boys and young men. And I encourage those who are not yet members to become members - joining now makes you a member through July 2014. Remember that the work we do in the service of our students is movement work, not moment work. Over the next few weeks we will study your survey feedback with the aim of improving our professional services and delivery, as well as our Gathering design plans for next year.
Continue to follow COSEBOC via our website, member network, Facebook and Twitter and please spread the word about an organization that is dedicated to the proposition that all boys and young men of color are filled with promise and await the opportunity to fulfill their hopes, dreams and potential. We are the ones who can help to make that happen.
With Sincere Gratitude,
Ron