Since 2016 YMOC has mobilized over 1500 community partners, 1,000 volunteers, 760 mentors, who all helped serve over 3,500 Young Men in middle school and high school with 100 empowering workshops, 9,000 meals, $25,000 in financial stimulus, countless resources, and priceless personal and professional development tools.
2025 marks the “10th Annual Greater Des Moines Conference For Young Men Of Color” on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 8:00AM-3:00PM at Drake University, Olmsted Center. Like always, it's a Win, Win, Win!!!
- YMOC PURPOSE AND GOALS - A GREATER DES MOINES CONFERENCE FOR YOUNG MEN OF COLOR, “Win Win Win… It's about time!” Des Moines is greater when Young Men Of Color are maximizing their interests, skills, strengths and TIME. YMOC is one of Hip-Hope’s flagship initiatives mobilizing mentors, dignitaries, educators, caregivers, corporations, organizations and institutions around hundreds middle and high school Young Men Of Color. Our perpetual purpose is to improve academic disparities and social inequities by equipping society’s most challenged population with Win, Win, Win support, opportunities and guidance towards achieving a privileged quality of life. GDMC4YMC‘s goals are always to INFORM all participants of the current social and academic status concerning YMOC’s health, education and safety, ILLUSTRATE how time can be positively utilized to counter social and academic challenges helping them CREATE empowerment tools within a relatively short period of time, CULTIVATE counter-pipelines by identifying and engaging participants in relevant areas of interests and strengths, CELEBRATE YMOC’s talents and accomplishments, EMPOWER all participants during and after the conference with tools to help improve their health, education and safety through time management, COORDINATE with community stakeholders, ACKNOWLEDGE Community Champions who advocate to make Greater Des Moines Greater for Young Men Of Color.
Why YMOC…
Numerous studies have highlighted the academic challenges faced by young men of color in the United States. These challenges stem from a complex interplay of systemic, societal, and individual factors.
Systemic Issues:
* Underfunding of schools in predominantly minority neighborhoods: This leads to disparities in resources, qualified teachers, and overall educational quality.
* Implicit bias and racial profiling within the school system: This can result in harsher disciplinary actions and lower expectations for these students.
* Lack of culturally relevant curriculum and teaching methods: This can alienate students and make them feel like their experiences and backgrounds are not valued.
Societal Factors:
* Stereotypes and negative portrayals in media: These can impact self-perception and lead to self-doubt and disengagement from academics.
* Limited access to quality early childhood education: This can create a disadvantage from the earliest stages of learning.
* Community violence and exposure to trauma: This can disrupt focus, attendance, and overall well-being.
Individual Factors:
* Internalized racism and negative self-perception: This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of belief in one’s ability to succeed.
* Financial barriers: Students from low-income families may need to work to support themselves or their families, limiting time for academic pursuits.
* Lack of strong male role models: This can lead to a lack of guidance and support, particularly for students navigating challenging environments.
Celebrating a Decade of HOPE:
Now It's Time To Come Together In UNIFORM
Get ready, Des Moines! This year marks a monumental milestone as we proudly announce the 10th Annual "A Greater Des Moines Conference For Young Men Of Color" (YMOC). Join us at Drake University on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a day of empowerment and community.
For a decade, Hip-Hope has led this charge, operating on the belief that when young men face hopelessness, we can help them build their own "ships" of opportunity. This year’s theme, "Uniform," is a powerful call to action, uniting middle and high school students who share the experience of overcoming adversity. Together, we are building a movement that replaces isolation with collective strength.
At the conference, young men will not only connect with mentors and peers, but also receive tangible support. We are excited to provide a day filled with 10 valuable breakout sessions, insights from powerful keynote speakers, and numerous empowering opportunities.
Attendees will also be provided with breakfast and lunch as part of the event.
This milestone is a "Win! Win! Win!", and it is built on the active participation of our entire community. We encourage all stakeholders to recognize their vital role in this movement.
For Young Men and Their Families
This conference is for you. It's a space designed to celebrate your potential and provide tangible tools for your future. The "ships" we talk about—the relationships, internships, and mentorships—are yours to build and own.
Call to Action: Register today for this free event! We urge parents and guardians to encourage their young men to attend and to get involved in the conversation. Your support at home is the most important part of this journey.
For Community Partners and Mentors
You are the reason this works. Our mission is powered by the invaluable assets you bring to the table. By sharing your time, wisdom, and resources, you are directly helping to close the achievement gaps that inspired this conference in the first place.
Call to Action: Become a mentor and guide a young man on his journey, or establish a partnership with Hip-Hope to provide internships and career-readiness opportunities.
For the Greater Des Moines Community
The strength of our city is tied directly to the success of our young men. Investing in their potential is one of the most powerful things we can do to ensure a vibrant and equitable future for all.
Call to Action: Make a donation to directly fund a young man's participation or to help expand our programs. We are also asking you to spread the word on social media using @hiphopeinc.
2024 Impact Report: Hip-Hope's 9th Annual Greater Des Moines Conference for Young Men of Color On October 26, 2024, Hip-Hope successfully hosted its 9th Annual Greater Des Moines Conference for Young Men of Color (YMOC24) at the Olmsted Center, Drake University. This landmark event served as a powerful platform for empowerment, growth, and opportunity, reinforcing Hip-Hope's mission to support young men of color in the Greater Des Moines area. The conference’s success was a testament to the collective effort of our community, partners, and dedicated participants. Impact By the Numbers 200 young men from Iowa and Missouri registered for the event. 74 mentors and 42 volunteers dedicated their time and expertise. 43 community partners collaborated to make the conference a success. 5 major sponsors: Drake University, Wells Fargo, Athene, Microsoft, and Slay Fund. 12 dynamic breakout sessions provided hands-on learning experiences. 752 meals were served throughout the day, ensuring attendees were nourished and engaged. 6 resource booths offered valuable information and support. 2 major TV news stations, WOI/CW Channel 5 and NBC Channel 13, covered the event. 100,000+ people were reached through our social media campaign. 15,000+ people were reached through our email marketing efforts. Highlights and Key Engagements The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and community leaders who underscored the importance of the event. Des Moines Mayor Connie Bosen presented a city proclamation, while State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad offered a state acknowledgment, showcasing strong civic support for the initiative. Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, delivered a powerful message of encouragement, having attendees repeat, "my rejection is my inspiration." Youth participation was at the heart of YMOC24, with two youth keynote speakers, two youth performers, and six youth presenters inspiring their peers. A highlight of the day was the ambient music provided by a talented 17-year-old young man of color on the piano. As part of Hip-Hope's Beyond The Bell program, the youth keynotes also visited McCombs Middle School the day before the conference, motivating 50-60 students with discussions about education and performances. The conference also acknowledged the only female leader for Brother 2 Brother with a one-of-a-kind bag featuring original art by Keith Taylor. A Deeper Impact: Aligning with Our Mission YMOC24's success extends beyond the numbers, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the holistic needs of young men of color. Every participant was guided to establish financial, health, academic, and social goals. Our commitment to their success is long-term, with plans to reconvene quarterly to monitor their progress. This conference is a vital step in Hip-Hope’s ongoing mission to provide the tools and support necessary for young men of color to thrive.
“It’s About Time!” Many of the issues that Young Men Of Color face today are outdated, and many of the approaches that address said issues are antiquated, therefore resolution is overdue. It's about time that Hip and contemporary solutions are presented, supported and executed. Not only that, it is imperative that Young Men Of Color learn the value of time, how to manage time and how to leverage time in order to achieve success in a timely manner, since most of their circumstances demand urgent response. YMOC‘s programming will focus on time management, leveraging time and achieving short term goals that set up long term success.
-Bo James / Hip-Hope Inc. - Founder/Executive Director
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