Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- Black Student Union at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will be hosting Ebony Weekend Feb. 16-18. A variety of social events, speakers and workshops will bring participants together from different generations to converse and socialize.

According to Carl Wesley, Black Student Union president, the purpose of Ebony Weekend is to gather people cross generationally and create dialog concerning issues in the black community.

"Students should come to gain a better understanding of the black community, to become well-rounded people, and culturally confident in an ever changing society," said Wesley.

Ebony Weekend was started when Wesley became the Black Student Union president in 2003. Since many participants come from other campuses, he scheduled events for the entire weekend, instead of having only a dance. This way, participants enjoy a full weekend getting to know each other. Last year, approximately 175 people attended.

The weekend kicks off with an organization fair on Feb. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by steppin' lessons from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Governor Dodge Hotel and Convention Center. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., participants are invited to the Black Cultural Music and Poetry Expo. The night wraps up with the "Black/White Party" Steppin' Across Generations.

Saturday's events begin with distinguished lecturer, Dr. Oba T'Shaka. He will speak from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in the Pioneer Student Center on the UWP campus, with breakout sessions following. Breakout sessions include The Evolution of Black Hair: Addressing the Negative Connotations of Nappy and Awaking Sleep Walkers: Reversing the Effects of Lynchism. After lunch, Dr. Joy Degruy-Leary, author of "Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome," will speak from 1 to 2 p.m. Ebony Ball, one of the major highlights of the weekend, will take place at the Governor Dodge Hotel and Convention Center from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy a dinner and entertainment by comedians Damon Williams, Da Wild Cat and a surprise guest comedian. During the formal dance, participants will compete for the Best Dressed Competition. An after party will follow the dance. The night concludes at 1:45 p.m. The weekend comes to a close Sunday after a presentation from Dr. Conrad Worrill.

The weekend's events are open to all who register. Registration is $100. Breakout sessions and lecturers are free and open to all to attend. Registration is not required.

"Ebony Weekend is educational, but has a party aspect. People have the opportunity to collaborate ideas. It's something you want to be at," said Zakiya Catlin, treasurer of Black Student Union.

Volunteer opportunities are also available to help with set up, registration and organization of the event. Anyone wanting more information or to volunteer may contact the Multicultural Educational Resource Center at (608) 342-1555.

Contact: Carl Wesley, president, Black Student Union, (608) 342-1555,wesleyc@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu