Suit Up & Show Up - Leadership Retreat 2020

This Dr. MLK Jr. Day of Service event “Suiting Up and Showing Up for the Roles in Your Life”, gives at risk young men a window into the possible. Young business professionals and entrepreneurs meet students in small groups to share experiences, assist with goal setting and offer leadership lessons. Listening sessions encourage students to share concerns and ask tough questions. 

This event was borne out of tragedy. Eight years ago John Singleton died, caught in the crossfire of a gun fight. The 17-year-old high school junior, an innocent bystander, was a young hopeful in the CDC of Tampa’s Youth Leadership Movement program before his death in 2011. Ernest Coney Jr, CDC of Tampa’s CEO, bought the young man a suit for his funeral – Singleton’s first. Determined that a young man would not receive his first suit on the occasion of his funeral, Coney established a day of youth empowerment “Suit Up and Show Up”. The goal of the day is to shift the perceptions of the young men – offering a new outlook on their potential as growing young leaders

When “Personal Shoppers” and fashion professionals assist the young men with picking out a wardrobe, you see the tangible transformation of each student. They are custom fitted for a suit, receive a shirt, tie, socks and new dress shoes. The look on their faces, the way they carry themselves is something to behold. 

Please reflect on the impact you can have on one man's life and that of his family and  community. When you click the donate button you'll find suggested donation amounts. The graphic describes what your gift will provide to these young men.

Over the past six years, 455 young men in our community have been impacted through this inspiring day of personal development. Through this event, their impact reaches deeper into the community with a service learning component to focus students on giving back.