With the recent crime rate plaguing Selma and Dallas County, local citizens have taken things in their own hands to help start a grassroots project to get the young men in the community on the “right path.”

Selma Manhood Summit 300 is an all-male empowerment event geared towards males ages 8 through 18. The event will be held on Oct. 20 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Tabernacle of Praise, located at 850 Woodrow Avenue.

Brandon Holmes, event organizer, said the event’s goal is for the youth and the adults to benefit and learn tangible information to help change the current trajectory of Selma.

He also said there is still room for more participation.

“We’re trying to get a group of 300 males in the building of both boys and males,” he said. “Both groups will benefit from the program, even though it is geared more towards the younger males.

Holmes said he wants the young men to take home tangible information they can use in everyday life.

“We’re trying to prepare them for life tools,” he said. “We’re trying to teach them things like how to greet another man, how to tie a tie, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, academic excellence.”

In an effort to provide the boys with role models and examples, the group will have a session for the older males to learn about the importance of volunteering and mentoring young boys.

“The end goal is to get everyone on the same page as being active in the community,” Holmes said. “We hope to motivate and inspire. It doesn’t take anyone famous to come, we can all take steps in the right direction towards improving Selma.”

For more information on the event and how to participate, contact Holmes at (251) 216 1046.