Davenport-based community organizer Tracy White is hosting an Embrace Race Luncheon, where Quad Cities businessmen will sit down to eat with African-American boys in grades 4 through 12.
The meal is put on by Well Suited, White's nonprofit organization, a school-based leadership club that mostly includes boys from Hayes Elementary School in Davenport. White launched it in 2016, with a black-tie event and photoshoot that had 25 boys meeting positive potential role models.
White says the formal occasions, like Wednesday's luncheon, are the perfect opportunity for the boys to see men who are successful.
"This gives them an opportunity to empower themselves. To understand that they are in charge of their life narrative. That their circumstances, where they live, what school they go to, none of that matters. That they are able to write their own story." said White.White had the idea for the luncheon after seeing a Facebook post about a similar event in a Wisconsin city. White's goal is eventually to also offer job shadowing, internships, and scholarships.
This year's event is sponsored by Estes Construction. The company's president and owner, Kent Pilcher, met with White at this year's Quad Cities Big Table, and thought the luncheon was right in line with his company's youth outreach efforts.
All of the proceeds will benefit Well Suited.