Entrepreneurs, doctors, and Black men in corporate America recently gathered in Miami for Black Enterprise’s Black Men Xcel conference. This annual event brings together experts, celebrities, and coaches to educate and inspire Black men. Attendees networked and gained insights to improve their finances, relationships, and mobility within the corporate world. Black Men Xcel created a space for individuals across various industries to connect and support one another—a unique and empowering experience for many.
“I’ve never seen this many organized, successful Black men under one roof,” said Prince Trinidad, celebrity barber and founder of Flight.co Inc. “What I have experienced so far is a lot of sharing of information and a genuine desire to help one another. It’s usually the opposite. But here, I’ve never seen so many people so adamant about helping someone who looks like them.”
Black Men Xcel took place from November 6–8 at the JW Turnberry in Aventura, Florida. The 2024 event marked the conference’s eighth year, with over 700 men from across the country convening in South Florida. Through this platform, Black Enterprise aimed to celebrate and equip Black men with tools for professional development and personal growth.
The conference featured sessions on negotiating your worth, leveraging relationships, and building wealth. Attendees were also treated to entertainment, including a lively barbershop debate hosted by comedian Chris Spencer. Panelists included former NBA player Kyle O’Quinn, author CJ Johnson, and Sam’s Club Senior Director Micahal Hamilton. Topics ranged from the perennial debate over basketball legends LeBron James versus Michael Jordan to personal dilemmas like checking a partner’s phone and the merits of prenuptial agreements.
One of the event’s highlights was the Xcel Awards, which honored leaders in business, technology, and the arts. This year’s honorees included journalist Ed Gordon, Pepsico Foods North America CEO Steve Williams, developer R. Donahue Peebles, and comedian D.L. Hughley.
“The fact that I get to do what I love every week and people come to see me is a blessing,” said Hughley. “People want to be hot, but it’s better to be warm for a long time. To be relevant, to have conversations with people who know who you are, and to hear them say their mother loves you—it’s the best.”
Hughley participated in a fireside chat, where he reflected on fatherhood, his career, and his remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris during the presidential campaign. “I said many things I never researched, just things I saw on social media. It was important for me to not only correct the record but also to apologize,” he said. “What makes me sad is wondering what part I played in people not buying into her.”
Another impactful session was Thriving in the Corporate World While Addressing Mental Health. The panel featured actor and comedian David Mann, mental health expert Dr. Jay Barnett, and celebrity therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker.
“We had an amazing session where a large group of men sought mental health guidance and acceptance,” said Dr. Rocker. “This is something we don’t see often, and we’re so glad they came out to ask for support.”
The panel focused on eliminating the stigma around mental health. The speakers emphasized the importance of the “three Cs” (Care, Covering, and Counsel) and discussed setting boundaries with loved ones to avoid emotional burnout.
Black Men Xcel offered a nurturing environment filled with positive reinforcement. Attendees left with new tools to apply both in the workplace and in their personal lives.
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