“The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it.”
- James Baldwin
Roots & Rising | A Virtual Summit
A one-day global virtual gathering for Queer Male Leaders of Color
Date: Saturday, December 13th | 9am - 2pm EST
Location: Via online
Too often, queer men of color are forced to grow as leaders in unsafe environments while being denied meaningful leadership opportunities. As a result, they are left feeling exhausted and undervalued.
Every queer man of color deserves access to safe spaces where they can truly thrive as leaders.
We understand how challenging it can be to find supportive leadership development opportunities. Roots & Rising | The Summit is led by experienced queer male leadership coaches with deep community roots dedicated to your growth.
The summit will help queer men of color rise into their leadership skills, create connections with like-minded leaders, and feel empowered to lead with authenticity.
About the Leading Facilitator
Mario Jovan
Mario Jovan is an artist, storyteller, leadership coach dedicated to empowering social impact leaders. He began his journey as a 7th-grade teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where he founded the Brotherhood, a program for young Black males. Motivated by the lack of male educators of color, Mario co-founded Profound Gentlemen, successfully retaining 98% of male teachers of color annually. Inspired by his own experiences with leadership coaching, Mario founded Messy Roots, a coaching organization for social impact leaders. Recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30, he is also a mindfulness instructor, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, and author of the Inside Out Journal.
Other speakers will soon be announced.
Need Your Organization to Sponsor You
Many organizations, schools, and networks provide professional development funds to support their team members’ growth. To make it easier for you to request support, we’ve prepared a sample letter you can use to ask your organization to cover the cost of the summit.
Investing in the leadership of queer men of color strengthens organizations by elevating voices at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities—voices uniquely positioned to generate inclusive and innovative solutions. When queer men of color are empowered to lead, rather than being “The help”, we unlock progress that uplifts everyone.
OUR PARTNERS
Organizations that care and joining us in creating this space for queer male leaders of color.
-
![]()
Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color
“So needed and the first I have seen” - Kevin Simpson
-
![]()
Center for Black Educator Development
“The Center for Black Educator Development is committed to supporting educators of all backgrounds, including queer male leaders of color, to help create a more diverse teacher workforce that mirrors the rich diversity of our students, while demonstrating anti-discriminatory practices and caring relationships as integral to teaching excellence in all disciplines and roles.”
- Mimi McKee
-
![]()
Energized Educator
“Queer leaders matter! The work of those who live an alternative lifestyle should not go unnoticed, for it is the work that we do that builds a foundation for some of the greatest things that have happened in this world!” - Rodrick Johnson
-
![]()
He is Me Institute
“It is vital for all leaders to feel represented by those who support them. The Roots and Rising Summit offers a space for Black LGBTQ+ leaders to feel seen and supported from experts who understand their identities and experiences.”
- Rob Hendricks
-
![]()
Melanated Masterminds
"In the liberation struggle, all of those who experience marginalization and have their stories placed on the periphery, especially Black queer males, must have the time and space to determine for themselves who they want to be, how they want to show up, how their stories will be told, and who will tell them. This is why a governance space like Roots and Rising is necessary." - Darren Rainey, Sr.
-
![]()
The National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators
“Everyone needs love and belonging to thrive and reach their full potential. This is a mission-critical community! I'm excited that it exists.” - Keith Brooks
-
![]()
Queer African Network
The Queer African Network (QAN) is the only social and professional mobile application currently in existence that is built by and for LGBT+ people of African heritage to safely form meaningful connections, access opportunities, fundraise, and find life-saving information. QAN currently serves 2000+ members from 18+ countries. Our goal is to be the most secure primary mobile application used for resource sharing and mobilization on LGBT + needs across the African continent.
-
![]()
Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance
“This work is important because queer leaders of color bring unique perspectives, resilience, and innovation that enrich our schools and communities. Supporting their leadership development ensures that the future of education is shaped by voices that have too often been overlooked, yet are vital to achieving true equity.” - Heather Davis
-
![]()
The Teachers' Lounge
“Folks say they want Black male leadership in education, but then only expect it to look one way. Every Black man deserve to grow old. Every Black man deserves to shine their light. The Roots & Rising Virtual Summit is a necessary space for queer men of color to be affirmed and grow in their leadership.”
- Devin Morris
-
![]()
Tumaini DC
“Supporting queer leaders of color is essential because they carry the lived wisdom and resilience to create safe, inclusive spaces where authenticity is honored and equity is possible. When queer leaders are uplifted, they model belonging and courage — transforming both personal and professional spaces into environments where everyone has the freedom to thrive.”
- Portia Richardson
