G.E.M. 2026
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Thursday, May 7th, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
John Lyman
Center For Performing Arts
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT
"Inspiring Today's Boys, Empowerg Tommorow's Men."
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
John Lyman
Center For Performing Arts
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT
"Inspiring Today's Boys, Empowerg Tommorow's Men."
An Unforgettable opportunity
Young men are mentored, celebrated, and inspired to reach new heights as scholars, leaders, and change-makers.
The Generationally Enhancing Males (GEM) conference held at Southern Connecticut State University is currently the only conference in the country known to specifically honor 100 young men of color through its dedicated "100 Young Men of Color Award" ceremony. This event is unique in its scale and focus; spotlighting middle school boys of color for their achievements, potential, and leadership through a formal recognition ceremony, workshops and mentorship.
Experience The Day
Our Host
June Archer
June Archer is an entrepreneur, music executive, and community leader.
G.E.M. Founder
Sean Allen, Sr,
Sean Allen is the founder of the Equity Enrichment Alliance Organization.
500+
Attendees
100
Young Men Honored
TOP
mENTORS & lEAders
One Mission
Empowering the next generation of leaders
Erick Russell
Our Keynote Speaker
Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, State Treasurer Erick Russell brings a powerful story of perseverance, service, and representation to the GEM Conference stage. Past recipent of the 100 Men of Color award and son of small business owners, he grew up working in his family’s corner store before becoming the first in his family to graduate from college and later earning his law degree. Before being sworn in as Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer, he built a career as a public finance attorney, helping cities and towns fund schools, infrastructure, and essential services. As Treasurer, he now oversees more than $60 billion in state assets, manages the state’s debt and college savings programs, and launched the groundbreaking CT Baby Bonds initiative to tackle generational poverty. As a Black man from New Haven who has broken barriers—Treasurer Russell’s journey and leadership embody the vision of GEM: showing young boys of color that their brilliance, voice, and future are worth investing in.
Celebrate
We honor the brilliance, resilience, and everyday wins of young boys of color so they see themselves as worthy, capable, and destined for greatness.
Elevate
We create spaces that lift their voices, leadership, and possibilities, connecting them to role models, resources, and opportunities they might not otherwise access.
Empower
We equip them with tools, knowledge, and community so they can make powerful choices, navigate challenges, and lead change in their schools and neighborhoods.
A Unique Comittment to Excellence
The 100 Young Men of Color Awards is a special recognition ceremony for 8th grade boys, where students walk across the stage in front of their peers, families, and state dignitaries to be honored for who they are and who they are becoming. It is a youth-focused branch of the 100 Men and 100 Women of Color Awards founded by June Archer, extending that legacy of celebrating excellence into the next generation of leaders.
Designed to celebrate their commitment to success and their ability to overcome adversity, this moment is not about grades or test scores—it is about recognizing students for their character, resilience, and potential as young men of color stepping into the next chapter of their lives.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Be A Part of Something
Bigger than a conference
The Generationally Enhancing Males (G.E.M.) Conference is back for its third year, continuing its mission to inspire and uplift middle school boys of color. This one-day event offers interactive workshops, dynamic guest speakers, and mentorship opportunities with successful men of color from diverse fields, dedicated to Guiding, Empowering, and Mentoring 100 young men of color.
www.equityea.org | Copyright 2026