Organization Expands Youth Mentorship Program
Hip Hop Detoxx (HHD) is honoring the 30th anniversary of the Million Man March with a 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. program being held Thursday, October 16th, at the Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive. Enoch Muhammad, co-founder and executive director of HHD, and volunteer Andre Nelson have plans to extend this program for a year, providing the youth with Black male mentors to help guide them through life’s journey.
In the spirit of the 30th anniversary of the Million Man March, Enoch Muhammad, co-founder and executive director of Hip Hop Detoxx (HHD), will host his third “Males to Men” empowerment seminar from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive. The event continues the legacy and impact of that historic day of unity and responsibility.
When the Million Man March was held on October 16, 1995, Muhammad was a student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He organized and raised money to charter a bus to Washington, D.C., allowing a group of students to attend. The image of two million Black men gathered in solidarity profoundly influenced him, and he now strives to instill that same spirit of unity and purpose in today’s youth.
In an interview with the Chicago Crusader on Tuesday, October 15, Muhammad said the upcoming event—held at the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center—will continue “the spirit and energy of the Million Man March by moving our people forward.”
Muhammad and event co-organizer Andre Nelson said there will be a variety of youth programs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including workshops in artificial intelligence, electrical and air-conditioning trades, and aviation training with Tuskegee Airmen who will help participants become drone-certified. Other sessions will cover real estate, yoga, breathing techniques, martial arts, and conflict resolution.
“We are trying to turn this ship around,” Nelson said. “There’s so much negativity toward our people with all of this violence. We want to show our youth better ways to resolve conflict—without a gun.”
Nelson emphasized that this is more than a one-day event. HHD plans to launch a 12-month mentorship program that will pair young men with positive male role models to help guide them through life.
After 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the event will transition into a family-style celebration featuring spoken word, poetry, gospel, R&B, and jazz performances. “We’re showing people you don’t have to be involved in violence or negativity to define yourself,” Nelson said. “You can do great things in a positive light.”
Last year’s forum drew 144 youth participants, but this year, organizers have confirmed more than 600 students from Chicago and suburban schools.
According to Muhammad, Hip Hop Detoxx receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations and community support.
