Men of Color Action Network

6th Annual Leadership Conference

Calling All Trailblazers: Celebrating Firsts

April 26, 2024 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Long Beach City College

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The Men of Color Leadership Conference organizers are a group of men of color (faculty/staff/administrators) from Santa Monica College, El Camino College, Long Beach City College, LA Harbor College, Compton College and many other community colleges. The goal of the event is to ignite a collaborative spirit between students who are men of color from various college campuses and leaders who have access to social capital and have the ability to support them. Through the conference, students are exposed to various types of resources to support their academic, personal, and professional success.

Join us at the Bob & Barbara Ellis Auditorium for the 6th Annual Men of Color Leadership Conference. This in-person gathering is all about celebrating and empowering men of color from all walks of life.

With inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities, this conference is designed to help you unlock your full potential. Discover new strategies for your success, learn from professionals, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

The 6th Annual Men of Color Conference will take place at Long Beach City College on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 8 am to 3 pm.

Keynote speaker: wALTER rAYFORD tUCKER, iii

Walter Rayford Tucker, III, a pastor, author, and former politician, held the positions of Mayor of Compton and U.S. Representative for the 37th Congressional District of California, which included Compton, Carson, and parts of Long Beach. Initially serving as a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles County, he later transitioned to private practice as a criminal defense lawyer. Following his father's passing while in office as Compton's mayor, Tucker won a special election to succeed him, becoming the city's youngest mayor at 33 years old. His tenure coincided with the civil unrest in April 1992, in Los Angeles County triggered by the Rodney King verdict.

In November 1992, Tucker, representing the Democratic Party, was elected to the House of Representatives. During his congressional tenure, he sat on the Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the House Small Business Committee. He advocated for legislation supporting Random Acts of Kindness, opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), advocated for the preservation of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and played a role in the successful development of the Alameda Corridor Project. Additionally, he collaborated with the Army Corps of Engineers to secure federal funding for the repair of the neglected Compton Creek, mitigating the risk of flood damage to surrounding properties.

Presently, Walter Rayford Tucker, III, alongside his spouse, Robin, is the pastor of Truth and Love Christian Church in Carson. The Men of Color Action Network Leadership Conference is honored to have Pastor Tucker, III, as its keynote speaker for the 6th Annual Men of Color Action Network Leadership Conference, recognizing his pioneering contributions.