Press Release!!.. Local Entrepreneur Speaks at Clinton Global Initiative’s CGI23 Annual Meeting.

Local Entrepreneur Speaks at Clinton Global Initiative’s CGI23 Annual Meeting

The Confess Project of America Founder Lorenzo Lewis Shares Message of Hope and Perseverance

ATLANTA, September 20, 2023 – This week, Lorenzo Lewis, Founder & Advisor of The Confess Project of America (TCPA), was the opening speaker at this year’s annual Clinton Global Initiative’s CGI23 meeting in New York City, held from on September 18-19.

At the conference, Lorenzo shared an update on TCPA’s work and a message with the theme “Keep Going,” as a call to action for everyone to, despite the obstacles, continue to choose to keep going and make a difference in the world.

“I am so honored to be invited to speak in such a powerful room, sharing the accomplishments The Confess Project of America has achieved up to this point, and inspiring others to never give up trying to make the world a better place, no matter the odds,” said Lewis.

This year, CGI’s aim was to convene political, business, and philanthropic leaders to build on the momentum of the conference’s return last year after a six-year hiatus.

Launched by former President Bill Clinton in 2005, CGI brings together leaders from across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to act on the most pressing global challenges, including climate change, health equity, inclusive economic growth, the global refugee crisis, and threats to the rights and prosperity of girls and women.

Last year, CGI drew more than 2,000 members of its diverse and growing community, which resulted in 144 new Commitments to Action™ – specific, measurable, and impactful programs that address a pressing global challenge. More than 3,800 Commitments to Action have been launched through CGI since its inception.

Founded in Arkansas and now headquartered in Atlanta, The Confess Project of America’s mission is to train barbers and other community members as mentors and mental health advocates to reach boys and young men across the U.S. in ways that others may not be able to.

TCPA will soon launch an advisory company that will allow for its curriculum and trainings to be licensed out across the U.S. and around the world, taking a sustainable model that addresses mental health within underserved communities, and spreading it far and wide to help as many people as possible.

“I’m excited about the upcoming launch of TCPA’s advisory company and the momentum it will give our mission and the widescale impact it will have on communities,” said Lewis. “From what started as a local initiative to now a national and global movement, I couldn’t be prouder. It’s a dream come true, not only to me and my staff, but individuals wanting to make a real difference in the lives of others.”

About The Confess Project of America (TCPA)

The Confess Project of America (TCPA) is a national organization that fosters mental health advocacy in the Black Barber and Beauty Industry by building awareness, breaking stigma, and increasing access to care within the communities they serve.

Through our 3,236 barber and beauty industry professionals trained across the country, we are reaching over 2.4 million people per year. We are currently in 53 cities and 30 states.

Our team brings over 40 years collective experience in fields ranging from social work to behavioral health to therapy to help develop programs for those who have the greatest stake in the issue.

Our aim is to reach as many advocates as possible, we see our programs as part of a wider movement to solve mental health disparities in communities of color—now, and for generations to come.