Monday, March 2, 2009
Once every decade, the Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government comes to the University.
For her eighth year in a row, Royce Jackson, 2005 graduate, attended the conference. This year was different from any previous conference for Jackson because she brought her company, Sable Dame, to the vendor fair to sell personally designed merchandise with slogans meant to empower women.
Avrienne Derrick laughs with friends while attending a workshop called "How Good is Sex?" presented by Devin T. Robinson X. Derrick traveled from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond to attend the 32nd Annual Conference on Black Student Government. The workshop, one of several dozen offered over the course of the conference, focused on prioritizing values in personal relationships and the consequences of sexual activity.
What is the Big 12 Council on Black Student Government?
In 1977, black students from the schools in the Big Eight conference came together to address common concerns. Today, the Council includes 12 schools. Each year, a member university hosts the annual conference to bring together black students in an environment of leadership and advocacy.
The conference hosted six keynote speakers, including Amon Rashidi, honoree at the 2003 Essence Awards and founder of Project J.A.M.S. (Just Another Means of Success); Kathy W. Humphrey, Vice Provost and Dean of Students at the University of Pittsburgh; and writer and politician Kevin Powell.
“I’m happy it’s at my alma mater. I could not miss it,” Jackson said. “It’s very inspirational. I feel empowered.”
At last year’s conference Jackson presented a workshop called “Exploring Black Female Sexuality,” which analyzed the representation of black women in the media. Jackson said getting involved in the conference was a good opportunity for minorities to learn, socialize and have fun. It gives people a chance to hone their public speaking and presentation skills, Jackson said.
The University hosted the 32nd annual conference from Feb. 26 to 28 at the Kansas Union. Topics addressed included career exploration and networking, retention, academic success, recruitment programs, male and female relationships, student apathy, financial management and black greek letter organizations.
“For your development as a person, the Big 12 is integral,” Jackson said.
The speakers and students attending the workshops and events at the conference look and act professional, Jackson said. She said one reason she wanted to go again next year was that she liked seeing the positive black images.
Video
Hundreds of student leaders gathered at the Kansas Union today for the Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government. The theme for the conference was "Be the One." The conference challenged participants to make changes at their schools and communities, and used motivational speakers and leadership experts to build the teamwork and focus of the participants.
Amanda Muhammad, Overland Park sophomore, is a parliamentarian for the Black Student Union and worked as a student volunteer. She answered questions, made sure people were having a good time and helped the directors. Last year she attended the conference at Oklahoma State University as a guest. Muhammad said she enjoyed listening to the speakers and attending the workshops. As a student volunteer, she could not go to all the events, but she said it was a good experience helping with the organization.
“I met one of my best friends at the Big 12 conference,” Muhammad said.
Eric Iheme, Wichita senior, is a member of the Black Student Union and also worked at the conference as a student volunteer. Iheme said he had also attended the conference last year at Oklahoma State University. Iheme said he felt the conference was going great and that he was meeting a lot of people.
“You learn a lot about yourself,” Iheme said. “It helps you grow as a student as well as an individual.”
— — Edited by Liz Schubauer
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