HAMPTON, Va. - Black teens and their families from three different states kicked off a special event at the Embassy Suites and Hampton Convention Center Thursday.
Called "Black to the Future," the 69th annual teen leadership conference hosted by the nonprofit Jack and Jill of America celebrates African American culture and teaching the next generation.
This year's theme is "Coming to America."
Hundreds of people from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina are attending this year.
Workshops during the conference include developing entrepreneurs, working toward careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and mental health in the African American community. Another highlight includes Rites of Passage for high school seniors transitioning to adulthood.
"The whole idea is to teach them to be their own decision makers; to make up their own mind," said Tarcia Flemming, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America. "To be able to lead; to be able to understand business and how important that is. My desire for them this weekend is to get to know somebody new; to learn something they don't know."
Black to the Future will continue through Sunday, July 3.
