Seeds of Inspiration: Black Men Smile Blossoms at the WayMaker Summit
WATCH Black Men Smile, NBA Legends Show Love, & Seeds of Empowerment Bloom at WayMaker Summit
The moment when BET exec Louis Carr first encountered the Black Men Smile brand at the 2023 BET Awards in LA.
Remember that electric buzz we experienced at the 2023 BET Awards? Black Men Smile was honored to be there soaking up the energy and forging connections that would change our lives. One such spark ignited when the legendary Louis Carr, President of Media Sales at Black Entertainment Television, spotted our "Black People Make Me Smile" hoodie. Impressed by our message and spirit, he opened a door we never knew existed: an invitation to the prestigious WayMaker Men's Summit in Chicago.
What started as a chance encounter blossomed into a life-altering experience. The WayMaker Summit isn't just a conference; it's a crucible where Black men invited to show up as, forge into, or discover their strongest selves. We, along with my son Isaiah and his burgeoning clothing line YATBY (YOU ARE THE BEST YOU), were honored to be a part of it, not just as attendees, but as an exclusive small business highlight.
But this wasn't just about business. It was about community. The summit buzzed with the shared desire for growth, connection, and purpose. We witnessed icons like Dwayne Wade not only supporting Isaiah's brand but also injecting him with words of encouragement that will forever etch themselves on his young heart. These moments, these connections, are the lifeblood of the WayMaker experience.
NBA Legend Dwayne Wade shows love to Isaiah and his new brand YATBY
Isaiah wasn't the only one thriving. The summit offered a platform for Black men of all ages to share their stories, find mentors, and discover new paths. From fireside chats with cultural icons to panel discussions on everything from entrepreneurship to self-care, the air crackled with possibility.
But the summit's magic goes beyond the scheduled events. It's in the impromptu conversations, the shared laughter, the unspoken understanding that binds us together as Black men. It's in the haircuts and headshots, the moments of vulnerability and triumph, the realization that we're not alone in this journey.
The WayMaker Summit is a testament to the power of community, of sowing good seeds and watching them blossom. It's a reminder that opportunity lurks around every corner, waiting to be embraced. It's a call to action: Be present, be open, be ready for your own WayMaker moment.
As we walked away from the summit, our hearts brimming with gratitude and our minds buzzing with ideas, we knew this was just the beginning. The seeds planted in Chicago have taken root, and we're ready to watch them grow, not just for Black Men Smile and YATBY, but for every Black man and boy daring to dream and build his own legacy.
