African American Student Services (AASS) at The University of New Mexico is hosting the Black Cultural Conference, “Mobilizing the Black Millennial Legacy,” on Sept. 21-23 in the UNM Student Union Building (SUB). The focus of the conference is to develop dynamic conversations and networking opportunities through a variety of presentations, workshops, and a plenary session.

Registration for the event is open on the AASS website. The conference hopes to bring together faculty, staff, high school and collegiate students, researchers, K-12 educators, community leaders, administrators, non-profit partners, government agencies, and other professionals to participate in this three-day event.

AASS focuses on bring awareness to the differences within the African American culture, appreciating other cultures, and promoting programs within the University and the surrounding community to provide a cross-cultural perspective. AASS staff supports the personal, academic, educational, and social development of students.

The 2017 “Mobilizing the Black Millennial Legacy” Conference will address a wide range of intersectional topics that aim to foster connections, create growth and engender action within black millennial communities. The tracks will focus on:

  • Social Justice
  • Health
  • Higher Education
  • Professional Development & Leadership

The keynote speakers for the Black Cultural Conference are a father-son duo, Cleveland and Bakari Sellers. Cleveland Sellers co-founded an important civil rights organization—Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

A graduate of both Howard and Harvard, Sellers served as the head of the African American Studies Program at the University of South Carolina, as well as the president of Voorhees College.

Bakari Sellers has continued his father’s legacy of fighting for social justice and civil rights as an attorney and CNN analyst. He has served on the South Carolina House of Representatives and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

AASS is accepting proposals to participate as a presenter until Friday, Aug. 18. The proposals must accomplish any of the following:

  • Builds on the knowledge base of historical advancements made by Black leadership, while exploring the emerging forward direction and next steps to take.
  • Proposes solution-based discussions that move beyond solely identifying historical traumas or the problems/challenges faced by Blacks, with an emphasis on moving towards answers that advance healing.
  • Suggests new ideas and best practices for successful collegiate and/or career experiences.
  • Promotes diversity and inclusion, cross-cultural relationships, and innovation.

To submit a proposal, visit the conference website.

An early-registration rate of $5 for high school students, $20 for chaperones, $15 for collegiate students, and $25 for staff/faculty/community members is available until Friday, Aug. 25.

Regular registration prices are $10 for high school students, $20 for chaperones, $25 for collegiate students, and $45 for staff/faculty/ community members. Late registration is open until Sept. 15.

Registration includes attendance to all conference track presentations, conference keynote luncheon with Cleveland & Bakari Sellers, the Divine 9 Black Greek Yard Show, continental breakfast and midday snacks and beverages, as well as conference bags with BCC 2017 memorabilia.

Individual event tickets to the keynote and the Divine 9 Black Greek Yard Show are also available.

To register or purchase single-event tickets, visit the registration page on the conference website.

Contact Scott Carreathers, AASS director, with questions at 505-277-5645 or email afro@unm.edu.