October 12, 2001

BSU hosts African American Leadership Conference

Don't miss the train

The second Annual African-American Leadership Conference will take place on Saturday, October 13, at Loyola. Hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU), this student-initiated and student-run conference invites all Louisiana college and high school students, as well as those interested in African-American youth and their futures, to attend.

This year's invited speakers and guests include Mayor Marc Morial, Judge Ernestine Grey, New Orleans City Council members, New Orleans Public School Board members, 100 Black Men of New Orleans, and 100 Black Woman of New Orleans, as well as university academic student leaders from across the state.

The conference, themed "The Underground Railroad: Getting Our Futures Back on Track," is broken into two parts. Part one is "Getting Back on Track," which will focus on what African-American youth can and must do to get back on the train of freedom. Topics covered in these sessions include voting, education, and economic empowerment. Part two, "Staying on Track," will focus on how conference attendees can stay on board once on the train. These sessions will focus on topics such as religion, values, morals, and remembering the past.

The conference also boasts exciting events between sessions. The first is a power lunch, where youth and civic, church, and business leaders come together. Afterwards, an art exhibition titled "Mixed Media" will give student artists from around the country an outlet to express themselves through various art forms. Participants will also enjoy a business exhibition featuring products and services produced for and by African-Americans, where vendors will share their entrepreneurial experiences.

An interfaith service will conclude the day's activities, with a call to prayer for all to "stay on track." An intercollegiate choir formed especially for the conference will lead in song. The conference fee is $5 for Loyola students, $7 for other students, and $12 for adults. The cost includes lunch, the conference packet, and admission to all conference activities. To register or for more information, contact the BSU at 865-2785 or visit www.africanamericanleadership.com.

Jénene Fontenot, A'02, Intern, Offices of Public Affairs and Publications