Shared on Twitter not but a few minutes ago @WomenWhoTech asks Thoughts on Modern Media Man Summit? http://modernmediaman.com/. I immediately responded that I thought they should have their own summit. Why not? There are thousands of Women’s groups, networks, events, etc. on the market. In fact, this MMM Summit was created by two men and two WOMEN. *GASP* Yes, women. And I’m not a bit surprised….or angry.  This has been a long time coming. Now before you get your hosiery in a bunch, let’s explore this logically and rationally.

I fully understand the need to have women only, minority only, etc. events and networks. If anyone understands it’s me. It is often implied that the need for these types of events and networks stems from the unspoken maxim that men position it to be so. The “Ol’ Boys Club” is still the big bad boogie man in a lot of cases.  This is especially true in certain industries (technology, engineering, etc). So it’s a given that women would want to start their own. But have you noticed that over the past few decades how the number of women only groups, networks, events have overshadowed everything? It’s no wonder men are starting to feel like the minority (HAH! welcome to MY world fellas). Did they bring it on themselves? Yes and no. The older generation absolutely did. But I am seeing this generation of men making an effort to co-exist and co-work with women. I had several ongoing conversations with a few of my male associates and they are feeling a bit left out. Rightfully so too.  Should they have to suffer for what the previous generations have done? I don’t think they should. I’m not implying that things are different. Kind of like how people think because we have a Black President, we’ve overcome racial injustice.  What I am saying is give those men who want to work together to improve things a chance to do it.

I used to get lots of inquiries from men asking why I created Empower Me! for women since a lot of what I do also applies to men. I’ve long since stopped arguing and explaining myself. Instead I created a program just for men. I created the Mastermind Momentum Program for Men. So I am completely behind Debbie Lawrence, Jim Turner, Kevin Roy and Karla VanBibber Porter.  I think their idea is genius. Call me crazy, but I think that everyone is entitled to create their own. Just because I’m a woman, Black and Puerto Rican doesn’t mean I’m going to be angry with a White group or Asian group or Male group starting their own. As I’ve explained to many people over the years, just because I am a champion for Women doesn’t mean I’m against Men.

Yes, there are still injustices. I’m not disputing that fact. But instead of feeding into separatist thinking, why not seek to understand first then figure a way to work together to make things better? You can have separate entities and events. But be sure you’re doing it for a valid reason and not out of anger or retaliation. I am fully prepared to take the heat I know will come from my sisters. But that’s OK. I didn’t start Fearless Woman Magazine to play it safe!

I invite the co-founders of the Modern Media Man Summit to come on to my show. I’d love to learn more about what they are doing.

So what are your thoughts? Is this the beginning of a wave of Men Only functions? How do you feel about that?