EFSC to Host Summit of Seven Boys and Men Conference

Eastern Florida State College will host the upcoming Summit of Seven Boys and Men Conference, with about 1,000 people expected for the event that provides mentors and role models for youth.

The 26th annual conference for boys ages 5 through adult will be held June 8-9 on the college’s Melbourne campus, with a June 10 service at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Palm Bay.

The summit is the largest gathering of its kind in Brevard County and among the largest in Central Florida with motivational speakers and workshops on subjects such as education, law enforcement, personal ethics and teamwork.

“Many of today’s youths need guidance and mentors as they navigate the often difficult path from childhood to manhood,” said organizer Moses L. Harvin Sr.

“The summit shows them there is a positive way forward that can lead to successful lives as good husbands and fathers, and highly productive careers in whatever field they choose.”

Harvin, who is President and CEO of American Services Technology, Inc., in Rockledge, also serves on the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees.

Dozens of corporate and community groups will be involved in the event, and Eastern Florida will provide campus tours as part of the summit’s goal to reinforce the importance of education.

The event, which is open to the public, starts Friday, June 8 at 6 p.m. with a fun festival.

The evening’s motivational speaker will be Dan Ciuro, a financial advisor with Edward Jones and community leader. Central Florida and Melbourne recording artist Dougie! will perform.

The summit continues Saturday, June 9 from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. with a range of activities including workshops, performances, a community luncheon and campus tours.

The public is invited to purchase tickets for the 1 p.m. luncheon, which will feature retired Navy Cmdr. Donnie Cochran as the keynote speaker.

Cochran was the first African-American aviator to join the Navy’s famed Blue Angels precision flying team in 1986. He later assumed command of the Blue Angels in 1994.

Luncheon attendees can also meet members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the famous African-American fighter pilots in World War II who were the nation’s first black military airmen.

The summit concludes June 10 with an 11 a.m. worship service at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Palm Bay where Dr. Quintin P. Woods Sr. serves as pastor.

The event was started by the Mount Moriah church, and got its name by asking each male member of the congregation to bring seven boys and young men, hence the Summit of Seven.

For more information and to register, visit summitofseven.org or contact Joan Wimberly at (321) 482-8142.