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From June 28 to July 1 Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago hosted the 1st Midwest Region African American Teen Male Summit at Chicago State University. The Summit included African American male staff and Club members from four Boys & Girls Club organizations in the Midwest region: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, and Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis.

The overall goal of the Midwest African American Males Summit was to expand on existing programs and implement a strategic, significant and sustainable model for increasing the well being of African American male youth from underserved urban communities. The Summit rewarded Club members for accomplishments achieved in their respective clubs, and provided strategies for issues directly related to African American male youth in the Boys & Girls Clubs five core areas, and facilitated support and camaraderie among the group.

Over the course of four days, Club members participated in several team building workshops, and activities designed to build individual character, promote self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-sufficiency for BGC members. Club members were provided with entertainment each day including an afternoon of fun at Six Flags Great America Theme Park.

The summit was presented by The Society of African American Professionals (SOAAP) and was dedicated to Lou Dantzler, founder of the Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Los Angeles, California.