2/4/98
ATHENS, Ohio -- Nationally recognized author and educational consultant Jawanza Kunjufu is the keynote speaker for a daylong Black Man Think Tank at Ohio University's Baker Center on Feb. 28.
The event, which draws university students, faculty and members of the public from Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rex Crawley, founder and coordinator of the conference, said the theme of this year's event -- "Transformation: Mind, Body and Soul" -- focuses attention on the development of African-American men. With more black men living in the United States' prisons than attending its colleges and universities, Crawley said the subject is especially relevant.
"African-American men are not often afforded the opportunity to discuss the issues that relate specifically to them," Crawley said. This conference, now in its fourth year, gives them a forum for that dialogue and also opens the discussion to women and people of all races, he said.
"Anyone interested in issues relating to the black male experience is invited to come. It's powerful for everyone," Crawley said.
Kunjufu is an educational consultant for African American Images Publishing Co. and executive director of the African American Images Talent Center. He is the author of several books, including "Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys," "Restoring The Village, Values and Commitment: Solutions for the Black Family" and "Good Brothers Looking for Good Sisters." His address will follow lunch.
The conference also will include speakers P. Eric Abercrumbie in the morning and Nashid Fahkrid-Deen in the afternoon.
Abercrumbie is the director of ethnic programs and services at the African American Culture and Research Center at the University of Cincinnati. He also is an adjunct professor in UC's Department of African American Studies. Founder and coordinator of the national Black Man Think Tank held annually in Cincinnati, Abercrumbie is an active community leader and motivational speaker.
Fakhrid-Deen is an activist and lecturer based in Lexington Ky. His focus is the healthy development of students around the country.
Conference participants may choose from several of the 10 workshops on religion, male-female relationships, community service and other topics. One of the 45-minute workshops will focus on prostate cancer, Crawley said, because recent studies show it is more prevalent in African-American men than in men of other races.
Crawley, who is pursuing his doctorate in cross-cultural communication, said he expects 400 to 500 participants for this year's conference. People of all ages attend, and a number of students and their fathers participate because the event coincides with the university-sponsored Dads' Weekend, said Crawley, who also works as a resident director for Ohio University's Office of Residence Life.
Cost of the conference is $10 for students and $15 for non-students who pre-register by Feb. 15. After that date, the cost is $20 for all participants. To request registration materials or get more information, contact Crawley at (740) 597-7349 or by e-mail at crawley@ohiou.edu.