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Conference to Discuss �Real Issues� of HBCUs

By Nell Bradley
Black College Wire

There are more issues at historically black colleges and universities than fashion, free-styling and fried chicken. Jamie Riley, a graduating health care administration major at Tennessee State University, has worked tirelessly to alter this stereotype by chairing the annual HBCU Student Think Tank.

The Think Tank is an outlet for students from HBCUs to unite and discuss the real issues concerning the state of HBCUs. Riley, who is also president of the Tennessee State University Student Government Association, chaired the first Think Tank and is ready to improve on that as he embarks on the second. "The first time we did it we had a great response. It is an experience you cannot describe," said Riley.

Ed Gordon will be a speaker at this year's Think Tank.

The theme for this year's Think Tank is �Defining and Refining the HBCU Experience.� The idea was prompted by government attempts to close historically black colleges and universities.

"Our goal is to define the experience, because when you ask someone that graduated from an HBCU what it was like or why they went, they always talk about the experience," said Riley.

Like last year, the Feb. 20-23 conference will be held on Tennessee State University's campus. The schedule allows students to hear from such keynote speakers as Black Entertainment Television�s Ed Gordon and poet Sonia Sanchez in the morning, and break into group sessions to reflect on the speeches and learn how to effectively make changes on their campus.

Poet Sonia Sanchez will speak at the conference, to be held Feb. 20-23 on the Tennessee State University's campus.

After listening to speakers and contributing to group discussions, students will be able to relax and network with others at a step show and an after-party, and to mix and mingle.

Graham McKissic, a junior biochemistry major at Tennessee State University, attended the Think Tank last year. "It is good that you could bring that many black students together for a positive cause. I'm just waiting for this year's," said McKissic.

Roger Cartledge, a junior television production major, is considering attending this year's Think Tank. "I heard it's really productive and informative. I would just say that the results from the Think Tank are examples of how blacks can work together for a brighter future," said Cartledge.

The future of the HBCU Student Think Tank is undetermined because its chair, Riley, is graduating. He has been asked to continue the Think Tank next year, but he has not decided whether he will accept such a position.

"I do not know where this is going to go after I walk across the stage. I just hope someone will do what needs to be done to make it happen again," he said.

Nell Bradley is a student at Howard University who writes for The Hilltop.