Pasadena, CA – February 28, 2025 – The devastation of the Eaton Fire did not deter Stephan McGrue from moving forward with the 16th Annual YBMC. Despite losing his own home in the fire, McGrue remained committed to ensuring the conference took place, providing critical support to young men facing similar challenges. Hosted at Caltech, the event welcomed over 200 students, ranging from middle school to college, under the theme “Healing, Empowerment & Resilience: Strengthening Our Future.”
In response to the widespread displacement caused by the fire, YBMC expanded beyond its traditional programming, creating a space for healing and rebuilding. Attendees participated in restorative workshops covering leadership, mental health, homeownership, safety preparedness, financial literacy, recovery, career exploration, and creative expression. A resource fair provided direct access to Caltech admissions and programming, community programs, mental health services, housing assistance, counseling services, scholarships, and employment opportunities. Cultural empowerment was also a key component, with panel discussions and performances—including an acoustic set by honorary panelist 6LACK—celebrating resilience and unity.
A new initiative, “Checkin In – Are You Good?” was introduced by The BPF Group, led by Lisa C. Williams, to help attendees identify their emotions. Four high school and college students—Leah Taylor, Isaiah Cole, Esais Ellis, and Brianna Cole—engaged with participants before and after the conference, gathering reflections on their emotional state and personal growth. Many shared on the “Checking In” wall that they left feeling inspired and motivated.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Pasadena Firefighter Justin Hester, former NBA player Troy Daniels, attorney James Noble, business owner and former athlete Chris Eversley, physician and community advocate Dr. Kendrick Law, and Thomas Henning, a neuroscience PhD candidate and president of Caltech Black Scientists & Engineers.
Additional sessions were led by industry experts such as Yancy Comins (mental health and mindfulness), Stephán O’Shea (male self-care and grooming), Julian Blake (financial empowerment and wealth-building), Blu (creative storytelling), Pages Matam (spoken word poetry), Hakeem Croom (career development), and Antonio Edwards (homeownership and generational wealth).
McGrue remained unwavering in his mission despite personal loss. “This conference was not just an event—it was a place of safety and empowerment,” he said. “I may have lost my home, but I will never lose my commitment to our youth. Even in our darkest moments, we can come together to rebuild and rise.”
YBMC is an annual conference dedicated to empowering young Black males through mentorship, education, and community engagement. This year’s event carried even greater significance as it addressed the urgent need for healing and resilience in the aftermath of a disaster that deeply impacted the local community.
For more information about next year’s conference, or to support YBMC as a speaker, vendor, or sponsor, please contact: Stephan McGrue at info@ybmc.live
About YBMC:
The Young Black Males Conference (YBMC) is an annual event dedicated to empowering young Black men through mentorship, education, and community engagement. It provides resources, leadership development, and networking opportunities to inspire success, resilience, and personal growth. YBMC fosters a supportive space for young men to thrive academically and professionally.