Black Leadership Conference to take place at ISU this weekend

Anttonieo Madison, former ISU student, will discuss his success as a Dream Chasa Entertainment business owner at the fourth annual Black Leadership Conference Friday and Saturday.

"I have been involved in the Black Leadership Conference for the past two years, when I was a student of Indiana State," Madison said. "I told the committee that I would be willing to come back and help out whenever I was needed."

This year's theme is "Healthy, Wealthy and Workforce Ready." Julia Bruce, administrative assistant in the African American Cultural Center, said the theme included the spiritual health required to get both the mind and the body prepared for the future.

"Students can expect to gain valuable knowledge that will hopefully motivate them to strive for great things in their lives," Madison said. "This event is a good way for students to network with other students from different colleges, and hopefully this will help students become even more effective leaders in their organizations."

For Madison, the conference is more than just a networking opportunity-it is a chance to increase diversity and awareness. "The Black Leadership Conference is such an important event because there is nothing but positive things that can come from this," Madison said.

said. "With so much negativity among African Americans in college, this is one way to change those perceptions." Madison's presentation falls in the "wealth" category, his presentation touching upon his entrepreneurship. "I didn't really have to do a lot to prepare for it, as I have experience in my subject, being that I am a business owner myself," Madison said.

The conference features more than just traditional presentations. It also allows students the opportunity for hands-on interaction and lessons, including a networking luncheon.

"I did it last year, and I thought it was a great event," said Kent Waggoner, director of the ISU Career Center. "It is important for us all to support leadership development."

Waggoner was asked to present again this year and said, "You bet."

He will be hosting the networking lunch that is similar to the Network and Etiquette dinners the Career Center hosts, but without the etiquette.

"Most of our students come from working class families," Waggoner said. "They may not have had the opportunity to experience something like a fancy dinner."

The dinner will teach attendees the ins and outs of formal dinners, including what the courses are and what silverware to use.

"Those were skills I really needed," Waggoner said.

Waggoner said the conference was a worthwhile experience for people of all races and ages.

"It is an equally valuable experience for all students," Waggoner said.

Waggoner is one of more than 10 presenters who will be speaking with faculty and students during the conference. "It is going to be fun," Bruce said. "It'll be educational, but fun."

The conference was planned last semester. A group of about five students met weekly to determine the theme, presenters and activities.

Michael Scott Jr., Student Government Association president and junior political science and social studies education major, was a part of the committee. He said they met every Friday "to work out the logistics," including speakers, times, costs, locations and events.

"I wanted to be a part of the Black Leadership Conference because I believe it has the potential to be a great event," Scott said. "The information and knowledge that is imparted on participants is valuable and needed."

This is Scott's third time attending the conference and his second time on the planning committee.

"Normally the committee plans a comedy show and keynote speaker for Friday and Saturday nights," Scott said. "This year for Friday we are presenting a play named 'The Meeting,' which is about a fictional meeting between MLK & Malcolm X. On Saturday, instead of bringing in a comedian, we are exhibiting our own talent by hosting a variety show of student organizations."

Scott will be giving the welcome speech at the dinner Friday evening. SGA is also involved in the program through monetary contributions to the costs of the conference. They offered financial assistance for up to 50 students to attend at less than 50 percent of the cost.

"I think it [the conference] helps instill pride and connection to the university among black students on campus," Scott said. "I'd love to see more students attend, which is why we're [SGA] offering the assistance."

Hanover College, the University of Indianapolis and Vincennes University teamed up with ISU this year to participate in the conference.

"Students engage in social development when they graduate and when they are here," Bruce said.

Even though the economy is in a rocky spot, Bruce said she was optimistic that things would pick up and students would have a better idea of what actions to take when that happens. "It'll prepare them when the economy starts going back up," Bruce said.

Scott agreed that the conference will help prepare students for the economy when they graduate.

"We need to teach people about how to remain healthy, especially with the sky-rocketing costs of healthcare, about entrepreneurship and attaining and retaining wealth in these difficult times and operating in the workplace," Scott said. "As jobs are becoming more and more scarce, if you're not on your p's and q's, then you may be among the first to go when layoffs occur."