Economic, political, educational, social and cultural concerns of the Pan-African community will be discussed at the 33rd annual Pan African Student Leadership Conference Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28, at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The conference is intended to build student leadership, and to allow scholars, students, professionals and community members to discuss issues that affect African people locally, nationally and internationally.

The conference, in Centennial Student Union, will begin with a Thursday opening session at 9 a.m. A pre-conference featuring the eighth annual Somali Cultural Day is Wednesday, Feb. 26.

“Understanding and Respecting Diversity: Working Towards Unity and Global Peace” is the theme of the conference.

Wednesday events include panels discussing the past, present and future of Somalia, and a performance by the Midnimo Band at 4 p.m. in Centennial Student Union Ballroom.

Emmanuel Jal, who served as a child soldier in Sudan’s civil war, will perform and speak at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the CSU Ballroom.

Scholars speaking and leading breakout sessions in Centennial Student Union include:

• Leo Lewis, associate athletic director at the University of Minnesota, speaking about “The Impact of Black Athletes in College and Professional Sports,” 11:15 a.m. Friday, CSU 150.
• Marvalene Hughes, president of Dillard University, New Orleans, La., speaking about post-Katrina rebuilding efforts, 12:15 p.m. Friday, CSU Ballroom.
• Chike Akua, one of Ebony magazine’s “50 Leaders of Tomorrow,” keynoting the Friday dinner, 6 p.m., ballroom.
• Alfred Powell, the “Dean of Street Psychology,” explaining his research into street culture, “The Impact of Hip Hop on Society and the Pan African Community,” 11:30 a.m. Saturday, ballroom.
• Sherrise Truesdale-Moore, Minnesota State Mankato corrections faculty member, discussing “The State of Black Love,” 3:15 p.m. Saturday, CSU 253.

The scholarly presentations are intended to provide guidance and provoke thought about roles and responsibilities of effective Pan-African community leaders. Additional workshops by faculty members and student panels will discuss contemporary issues facing Pan-African youth and other young adults.

Other panels, break-out sessions and talks will address issues of specific interest to the pan African communities. Students will present papers on aspects of Pan-African responsibilities.

Friday will be African Dress Day, and the conference will culminate Saturday evening with the popular Mr. and Ms. Pan African Talent Celebration at 7 p.m. in the ballroom.

The conference was founded in 1977 by Michael Fagin, vice president for Institutional Diversity at Minnesota State Mankato, with support from Macalester College faculty member Mahmoud El-Kati and community leaders throughout Southern Minnesota. The event is sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity and numerous other University and community groups.

General information is available at www.mnsu.edu/cultdiv/conferences. Registration information is at http://www.mnsu.edu/cultdiv/programs/africanamerican/conference/.

Those with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation may call (507) 389-2077 or 711 (MRS/TTY).