Conference aims to empower local men

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Men empowered and motivated each other at a conference in a South Bend church on Saturday morning. 

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church held the "I'm My Brother's Keeper" conference. The goal of the event is to unite men and have conversations on how to become a better person. 

The event took place from 9 a.m. to noon. Former Michigan State football player, Shon Hart spoke at the event. 

“Us standing here, empowering men to understand that, hey, we have to do more than just go to work and provide money," said event organizer Derick Buggs. "We have to be a leader. We have to provide some advice. We have to talk about some things, we have to keep it real with our children and let them know they don’t have to go down the path we may have gone down."

“I’m big on identity," said guest speaker Shon Hart. "I’m big on bringing men into themselves, like taking responsibility. And the more that I can do that, that I can help you do that, then you will see the big picture on how, why your children need you, like why you matter, like you’re not an option, like you’re supposed to be there."