This week, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is holding a conference alongside Birmingham leaders to inspire the next generation to pursue institutional pillars critical to societal strength.
The conference, which began Wednesday and will conclude Friday, is being held at the Westin in Alabama’s Magic City. The discussion will draw on Birmingham’s legacy of being the birthplace of the civil rights movement.
Ian Rowe, an AEI senior fellow, said the policy institution’s goal “is to inspire and mobilize local leaders to strengthen the institutional pillars of family, religion, education and entrepreneurship throughout Birmingham.”
In a statement to Yellowhammer News, Rowe said Birmingham leadership had “a special opportunity” to address outstanding issues facing the community.
“Birmingham is a city with such a rich history and complex landscape of challenges and opportunities,” said Rowe. “We have a special opportunity to tackle issues that are uniquely salient to Birmingham by bringing together scholarly voices with leaders who are actively implementing change on the ground.
“(O)ur program will bring together a diverse group of scholars, social entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, business leaders, and philanthropists to have an honest discussion about how we can build agency in our children and offer them the support they need to prosper in life. We want to identify practical, research-informed solutions that participants can take and apply in their own communities.”
Speakers and presenters include:
- Robert Doar, President, AEI
- Ian Rowe, AEI
- Helen Young Hayes, ActivateWork
- DeForst B. Soaries, Corporate Community Connections
- William B. Allen, Center for Urban Renewal and Education
- Collin Hansen, Gospel Coalition
- JW Carpenter, Prosper Birmingham
- Herbie Newell, Lifeline Children’s Services
“I’m hopeful this gathering will spark a movement of leaders in Birmingham who can strengthen core institutions and connect more children to opportunity in this city,” Rowe said.
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