ASU sponsors consciousness conference

Mini Conference • Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Jasmine Moore and Erica Stone helped keep Amir and Rahel entertained at the mini conference which was held so parents could enjoy the main event, kid free. Yulian Danusastro/Daily Forty-Niner

 

By David Whisler
Online Forty-Niner
Staff Writer

Awareness and education was the focus of the 25th annual Black Consciousness Conference, sponsored by the African Student Union last week.

The event was held Thursday through Saturday in the University Student Union.

The conference kicked off on Thursday with a talent show, featuring Cal State Long Beach's finest in singing, dancing, classical piano and more. There was an African marketplace on all three days, displaying and selling everything from artwork and clothing, to African spices and Negro Baseball League memorabilia.

On Friday and Saturday, panel discussions were hosted with some of the nations most prominent black figures.

Guests included 1968 Olympic Bronze Medalist John Carlos, Elaine Brown, the first and only woman leader of the Black Panther Party and Amen Rahh, who first organized the event 25 years ago.

The event held panels on the history of student activism at CSULB, as well as a forum of current student activists and "Activism, Then and Now," hosted by Carlos.

A criminal rights and police action workshop was held by The Los Angeles Human Rights Advocacy Group. The workshop focused on knowing your rights as a citizen, and what to do if you feel you have been unjustly arrested or accused of criminal activity.

"The conference strives to have representation that is not normally on campus," coordinator Leilani Ford said. "Speakers from all around the world are here to start a dialogue and educate."

One of the most popular speakers at the conference was Dr. Reiland Rabaka. Rabaka, a professor in the black studies department at CSULB, presented an essay entitled "Hip Hop History and Critical Consciousness." The presentation focused on the prolific effect of this style of music on our society and the world.

The young professor is very popular with students. "We can relate to him and know that things are possible," senior Nina Grubbs said.

The charismatic Rabaka spoke for over an hour. The talk took on the feel of a Sunday sermon, provoking comments such as "preach brother" and "teach" from audience members.

Afterwards, Rabaka hosted a question and answer session. When the allotted time had ended, he stayed after to speak with attendees in person and pose for photos.

The sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha hosted the children's mini conference to relieve parents who wished to attend the event. The mini conference served as a day care and a teaching experience. Activities included drawing, painting and beading, as well as toys and movies for the smaller kids.

African Student Union President, Frank Oliver, was pleased with the turnout at this year's event.

"One of the biggest problems we face is relating to the youth of today," he said. Speakers like Rabaka bridge this gap and allow the older generation to be heard in a new forum.

"The most important thing we can provide to the children is awareness," Carlos said, "our history, where we came from and where we hope to go."

The conference was a free event and open to anyone, regardless of ethnic heritage.

"We're here for those people who want to learn more about our culture," Ford said, "not just for the black people."