This is a series of workshops targeting the issues facing underserved minority communities to develop positive solutions and remove barriers to growth in the areas of education, health, crime, home ownership, building wealth and the church's role in the community. Our Renaissance 21st Century Project is helping to revitalize the "can do" spirit in communities around the state.

Health Issues and the African American Family Structure

With increasing health disparities and inadequate access to healthcare, the quality of the African American workforce and family structure is being negatively impacted. The purpose of the workshop is to identify and find solutions to: life altering health issues, education gaps and lack of adequate health care insurance in the African American community.

Improving the Delivery of Education

Educators and community leaders are challenged to ensure that young people have access to educational opportunities, which will keep them out of poverty and help them thrive in a global economy. During the session, experts discuss parent involvement, new teaching methods, the "No Child Left Behind law, performance and how to improve the educational infrastructure.

Community Wealth Building

Wealth Creation is the lynchpin of community economic empowerment. Minority owned banking institutions; financial literacy and entrepreneurship are sound strategies for the generational transfer of wealth for community stability.

The Role of the Church in Community Economic Development

The church needs to concentrate on the business of community economic development in a more strategic and deliberate way. Financial literacy, workforce development, capital and non-supportive lending institutions affect the development of investment portfolios in faith based communities. The workshops' focus is to leverage church assets and create joint ventures, which will bring goods and services to the community, which can be operated and managed by those who live there.

Affordable Home Ownership

Home ownership is a basic building block for communities. A sense of pride and unity is realized when individuals and families have equal access to the American Dream. Social issues, economic disparities, lack of funding and the reduction of government housing programs can have a negative impact on the ability of African Americans to become proud home owners. Industry leaders tackle these issues head on, while developing solutions for the future.

Technology and Broadband Communications

Technology is all around us. Are you connected? This informative workshop is designed to provide information that will empower business owners with up-to-date IT solutions. Increase your knowledge and bottom line by using technology to find new ways of doing business.

The Importance of Accessing the Political Process

Political reform, declining numbers of African Americans holding political office and understanding the power of grass roots policies are the core of this interactive workshop.

Reducing Crime

Crime is a major concern not only for the state of California, but the nation as a whole. A collaborative effort between mainstream media, the African American community, corporate leaders and law enforcement is imperative if a permanent solution to crime is to be found. The discussion explores innovative ways of dealing with the age-old question of "how to reduce crime in the African American community?"