6th Annual MDAAPEI Millennial + Gen-Z Symposium
The Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute presented the 6th Annual Millennial + Gen-Z Symposium on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 10:00AM-3:00PM. The Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute remains committed to providing transformative experiences for students, community members and professionals. The amazing event was held on the campus of California State University, Dominquez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA. 90747, inside of Loker Student Union, Ballroom C.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
The Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute presented the 6th Annual Millennial + Gen-Z Symposium on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 10:00AM-3:00PM. The Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute remains committed to providing transformative experiences for students, community members and professionals. The amazing event was held on the campus of California State University, Dominquez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA. 90747, inside of Loker Student Union, Ballroom C.
The 2025 symposium theme was: “What’s Next: Navigating The Social And Political Landscape Post Election.”
An enthusiastic crowd was in attendance for an extraordinary event designed to empower and engage the next generation of change makers.
This symposium represented a unique opportunity for fellow young leaders, explore critical political and social issues, and develop strategies for meaningful change.
The name of the symposium and the theme said it all. It made my heart happy to see so many brilliant, young people at the symposium to fully engage and to have deep and meaningful conversations. Guests knew that these conversations were about the full spectrum of the political landscape that will impact them and many of their family members currently and in the future.
The keynote speakers and panelist drop some relevant and timely food for thought and presented some resources and tools going forward.
Jarrod D. Benjamin, Ph.D. (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
The program consisted of an Opening Keynote by Jarrod D. Benjamin, Ph.D., L.E.A.D Firm, and Global Speaker & Social Justice Educator. This was a great speech that covered a lot of ground professionally, mentally and spiritually. The topic “Bridging the Divide: Empowering Millennials and Gen Z in a Post-Election Era.
Jason M. Gibson, M.A, L.E.A.D Firm, University Professor, presented an encouraging Virtual Keynote entitled “Do It Anyway: The Resilience of a Leader.”
The panel “What’s Next” featuring a distinguished Community Guests, Lorelei Fuller, CSUDH Presidential Scholar, Channing Martinez, The Labor Community Strategy Center, C0-Director, and Tyler Herring, CSUDH Undergrad Student of Business Administration. The panel was moderated by E. Danielle Butler, an accomplished writer, sought-after collaborator, and engaging speaker dedicated to the power of storytelling as a tool of connection.
Nakya Carter, Entrepreneur/Logistics Coordinator at AEG Global Partnership spoke to truth to power about her life story that resonated with the audience. The title of her uplifting session “Dare to be Different: Navigating Authenticity & Social Justice in Early Work Career.”
E. Danielle Butler, Author and Social Justice Advocate held a virtual session entitled “Ink to Impact: Turning Overwhelm Into Action Through Writing.”
Jason M. Gibson, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Jason M. Gibson, M.A., L.E.A.D Firm, University Professor, wrapped it all up and gave guests the tools to move forward after the symposium. His educational and enlightening session was entitled “Put It in D.R.I.V.E- Dominance. Resilience. Imagination. Virtue. Empowerment.”
Jarrod D. Benjamin, Ph.D., L.E.A.D Firm, Global Speaker & Social Justice Educator took us home with a more food for thought during his closing keynote speech entitled “From Dread to Drive: Building Resilience Communities Amid Social and Political Shift.
Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, Executive Director, Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) thank his staff, volunteers and other team members as well as the attendees for their resilience for engaging with above mentioned speakers and panelist throughout the day.
Cal State University, Dominguez Hills cultivates an academic community committed to justice, equity, and inclusion- one that fosters a sense of belonging and advances social mobility for our graduates. With an education grounded in culturally sustaining practices, innovative research, creativity, and community engagement, CSUDH students are equipped to succeed and thrive in a complex, global society.
