Past Events / Recap
The 2025 Black Boys & Men National Symposium
“Boys II Men: Mentoring & Educating Black Boys When You Are NOT the Model—But the Work Still Needs to Be Done”
Deepest gratitude to Dr. B. Donta Truss and
Grand Valley State University for the opportunity to present at The Black Boys & Men National Symposium. This experience lit a fire in all of us—and we owe it to the most vulnerable and endangered members of our society, Black Boys & Men, to respond with action, accountability, and unwavering care.
Our session,
“Boys II Men: Mentoring & Educating Black Boys When You Are NOT the Model—But the Work Still Needs to Be Done,” #bbms2025
Brought together a powerful panel of three accomplished Black men and two rising youth leaders from Thredz.org’s Y3 (Educate, Empower & Engage) Youth Program for a raw and necessary conversation.
Our panelists reflected on personal journeys, cultural truths, and lived experiences—calling us all to examine how ego, assumptions, and systemic bias show up even in well-meaning spaces.
They reminded us: shared identity does not always mean support—and absence in the home or community doesn’t excuse silence in systems.
“Boys II Men: Mentoring & Educating Black Boys When You Are NOT the Model—But the Work Still Needs to Be Done,”
Moderated by Marria M., President & CEO of Thredz.org, the panel spotlighted how educators, mentors, and leaders—especially those who are not Black men—must commit to intentionality, trust-building, and cultural humility to truly support Black boys.
Shout out to our incredible executive & youth leader panelists:
✅ William Roberson CEO – Shoreline Staffing✅ Scott Mackey, MBA, Managing Director & CEO – Area Scouts✅ Victor J Holt, Assistant VP – Fifth Third Bank✅ Marcus H. & Kaeden S. – Thredz Y3 Youth Leaders & Muskegon Scholars
Special support from our phenomenal Y3 team: Cyanna R. & Darcell M.
This was more than a session—it was a call to action.
Because even when you are not the model, the work still needs to be done.
#BlackBoysAndMen #BlackYouthMatter #ThredzY3 #GVSU #CulturalHumility #EquityInEducation #YouthLeadership #MentorshipMatters #RepresentationMatters #ThredzOrg #BlackBoysSymposium #CallToAction #AuthenticSupport #CommunityVoices
House Party 2 Homeownership 10-3:30 pm (2025)
PANEL · 1:1 MORTGAGE PRE-QUAL · RESOURCE EXPO
Thredz Y3 C.O.D.E
BLACK HISTORY 2025
Race, Legacy, MLK & OUR FUTURE
Community Discussions
REACHING NEW MUSKEGON HEIGHTS
Family, Food, Facts & Fellowship!
MLK BREAKFAST
Thredz & Black Voters Matter
“We Fight Back—Muskegon” GOTV Caravan & Voter Engagement Event & Capital Day in Lansing, MI
“We Fight Back—Muskegon” GOTV Caravan & Voter Engagement Event (2024) & Capital Day in Lansing, MI (2025)
Thredz.org’s is partnering with Black Voters Matter and local leaders, to bring you a high-energy, non-partisan GOTV Caravan & voter engagement events. Let’s rally together to make sure every voice is heard
2024 RAP W/ YA REP’
2nd Annual, Youth Driven “Rap w/ Ya Rep’—Community Vision Party & Panel”
This youth-driven, Non-Partisan event is all about YOU, the community, and your voice! We’re bringing together Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, along with other elected officials and candidates, to connect with you. It’s about how we can shape the future together.
🗣️ Panel Discussion hosted by Youth Leaders with 5 of our reps. We’re tackling issues that impact you and your future:
• 🏠 Affordable Housing
• 🌍 Polarization
• 🤝 Rebuilding Trust in Leadership
📚 Education from a Youth Perspective
This is YOUR chance to share ideas, ask questions, and make sure the people in power know what’s important to us. Let’s come together and make our community stronger!
Thredz "Educate, Empower & Engage" GOTV Youth Campaign
Thredz “Empower and Engage,” GOTV Youth Campaign will harness the enthusiasm and efforts of youth from the majority Black and Brown communities of Muskegon Heights and Muskegon.
2024 Inaugural 90’s House Party Resource PANEL, Party & Expo
Reshaping Solutions to Gentrification Panel
Our National Expert Panel!
Dr. Karilyn Crockett (MIT), Mr. Smith (Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative), Mrs. Katie Ullrich (Proud Ground), Dr. Shaq (Moderator—Calvin College), Ms. Marria McIntosh (Thredz.org).
Reshaping Solutions to Gentrification Panel
Multi-Jurisdictional/Cross-Sector Community_Youth Taskforce
Addressing Our Community's Vulnerability
“Our Voices Also!”~Youth Initiative
Thredz Community Meetings
Rap w/ Ya Rep’ Community Vision Board Party: 2023
A Community Engaged!
National Partnerships
TEAM-Work = All our Work
Livability Challenge & Collabs! 2022/2023
Livability Lab in Partnership w/ 3N1C 10/2022
Livability Lab CHALLENGES Community Champions 2 Connect!
3N1C asks communtiy to stand 2gether 2 Champion a Cause
Team Minority Voices for Inclusion was Born
Courtesy of https://livabilitylab.com/
Team Minority Voices for Inclusion on Panel 02/2023
Northeastern University study on investment w/ justice: 2022
What does Investment w/ Justice Mean for Our Community?
How do we position Ourselves to “Strengthen from Within?”
Northeastern University & 3N1C Presents!!!
Investment w/ Justice Community Forum
Thought w/ Thredz Giveaways
Share Your Thoughts, Feelings and Vision w/ Thredz!
INCENTIVIZE YOUR VOICE!!!
”Priced out,” Community SCREENING: 2022
Producer: Cornelius Swart on Panel
Our Community was able to ask questions relating to Gentrification and how it totally changes the Fabric of neighborhoods in as little as 5-10 years!
”Priced Out,” Community Screening
Understand the Insidious Evolution of Gentrification and how It Affects you!
Neighborhoods in Partnership
1ST TOWN HALL: Gentrification & YOU—2021
Out w/ the Old…In w/ the New🤔??? What is the Real Opportunity Cost to YOU?
Gentrifi-What? And How does it Affect YOU?
CURIOUS & CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY
What are the pros and potential adverse affects of Unregulated Redevelopment?
Thredz in the News
WUVS 103.7 The Beat
Marria McIntosh of Thredz.org Unveils the 90’s Housing Resource Bash, Panel & Expo
Muskegon Channel 96.com
Thanks to Andy O’Reily and Channel96 Muskegon. Please find complete interview and article at:
MLIVE
Article w/ MLive’s Skyla Jewell-Hammie
”2023 Cooperative Economics & Racial Wealth Parity Fair”
https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/
2023/10/economic-empowerment-racial-justice-event-planned-for-muskegon-heights.html
Muskegon Channel.com
Live In-Person Interview w/ Muskegon Channel’s Andy O’Riley
“1st Rap w/ Ya Rep Community Vision Board Party”
WUVS 103.7 The Beat
Radio interview w/ WUVS Paul Allen & Big Rob
”Investment w/ Justice Community Forum.”
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At Thredz, we are committed to addressing the root causes of gentrification and working towards solutions that promote economic empowerment and racial equity.