BGSU Black Issues Conference celebrates 25th anniversary of cultural enrichment and discussions

The conference will explore issues impacting the African American community

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University will host its annual Black Issues Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 25, marking the 25th anniversary of offering a forum to explore cultural enrichment and discuss issues impacting the African American community.

What began as an effort to inform the public on local, regional, state and national-level issues has spanned more than two decades and become a featured event during the University's Black History Month programming.

"A catalyst in the educational process, the Black Issues Conference has brought together community members year after year to discuss important topics affecting the African American community," said Dr. Katie Stygles, chief inclusion officer at BGSU.

This year's conference will include the celebration of 100 years of life and legacy of BGSU writer-in-residence and distinguished visiting professor of ethnic studies James Baldwin; spotlight panels featuring prominent alumni, faculty and faculty emeriti; include collaboration with the Women of Color Leadership Summit; and will feature award-winning actor, best-selling author and entrepreneur Hill Harper, best known for his roles on "The Good Doctor," "CSI:NY," "He Got Game," and "Lackawanna Blues" as the keynote speaker.

Throughout the history of the event, presenters have ranged from high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and celebrities, each providing a unique perspective of their lived experiences.

"The conference continues to grow and address the ever-changing landscape that our students, faculty and staff, family members and friends face. It is important for all of us to learn and grow in order to be an informed citizenry, within communities we hold membership and more importantly when it's in communities to which we’ve had little or no exposure,” said Ana Brown, BGSU deputy chief inclusion officer. 

“In addition to a full day of activities, there will be multiple sessions ranging from alumni panels and facilitated dialogue relevant to professional and career development and personal enrichment,” said Dr. Bobby Steele, director for the Center for Student Connections and Opportunity. "We are grateful for the many and significant co-sponsorships that have allowed us to continue to grow this conference, especially in this milestone year." 

"While we celebrate 25 years of education and discussion of important cultural topics, there is still much work to do," said Stygles. "We have impacted the lives of so many people over the past two and half decades, but I look forward to seeing how much more we can do over the next 25 years."

The conference will focus on the theme “Reviving, Renewing, Rebuilding." In addition to Harper's keynote address, the conference will close with a performance by world-renowned jazz musicians. The event is open to the public.

Register for the conference

Registration closes Feb. 18.