Offering a platform for discussion of issues surrounding the African-American community, the 5th Annual Black Issues Conference will take place Saturday at UT.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Black in America: How Far We Have Come …Yet, So Far to Go,” and will feature Marshawn Evans as the keynote speaker.
“(The goal of this year’s conference) is to unite all students on campus to discuss, analyze and address issues pertaining to the African-American community, which ultimately affect America in a global society,” Demetrius Richmond, assistant director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs, said.
The event will feature interactive dialogue geared toward examining issues relevant to the African-American community, and all faculty, students and local community members are encouraged to attend.
“Attendees will learn about issues relating to equality and social justice from an African-American perspective but more importantly how those issues affect everyone and how to bring resolution to those issues,” Richmond said.
This year’s conference is set to be engaging with the appearance of Evans, whose resume includes participation on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” Evans also reached the top five in the Miss America national pageant competition and was recognized as a Harry S. Truman scholar.
As of late, Evans is working as president and chief branding officer of EDGE 3M, an outfit that manages the careers of professional athletes and celebrities. She is a graduate of Georgetown Law School and worked for a major law firm in Atlanta.
The conference has been designed in an interactive format, reaching out to the opinions of the UT community.
“Attendees can expect to learn more about current issues affecting African-Americans and the world,” Tanisha L. Jenkins, associate director of Minority Student Affairs, said. “We have 20 workshop sessions and a keynote speaker that will challenge attendees to think outside of the box and make a difference in their local community and the world.”
This conference will offer an opportunity for those at UT to broaden their views of issues currently facing the African-American community and share different perspectives.
“Workshop presenters will engage conference participants in meaningful cross-cultural discussions and encourage them to think critically about various topics,” Jenkins said.
Sponsors of this event include several facets of the UT community such as the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of Minority Affairs and the Black Alumni Association.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will sponsor this event as well, under the umbrella of its Youth and College program.
According to the NAACP Web site, “The NAACP Youth & College Division’s mission is to inform youth of the problems affecting African-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; to advance the economic, education, social and political status of African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities and their harmonious cooperation with other peoples; to stimulate an appreciation of the African Diaspora and other people of color’s contribution to civilization; and develop an intelligent, militant effective youth leadership.”
