Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Media: Please be reminded about this event to be held this weekend. Media are invited to cover any portion of these activities. Consult the schedule of events for a detailed listing of activities.

Wilmington, N.C. – Some 150 students from across the South are expected to attend the 10th Annual Southeastern African-American Student Leadership Conference (SEAASLC) on the campus where it was founded, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Jan. 31- Feb. 2. This conference was established to develop and strengthen the leadership abilities and skills of primarily African-American students, though it is open to students of any ethnicity, across the Southeastern United States. SEAASLC incorporates history, morals and values, leadership skills, self-improvement techniques, community involvement, and unity to inspire and motivate African-American collegians and high school students to be more productive leaders of today and tomorrow.



This year’s theme is LEGACY -- Leaders Empowering Generations Acting on a Commitment to Yesterday, today and tomorrow. This theme is supported by various activities that will occur during the three days of the conference. Throughout those days there are many workshops, social events, and speakers, as well as an interfaith worship service and much more.

The 10th annual conference will open with a special entertainment event from 7-10 p.m., Friday evening, Jan. 31, in the Warwick Center Ballroom. Ayara Arts, in association with the Black Arts Alliance, Inc. presents Somebody Hold My Muse, a provocative medley of literature, music and dance. From the gritty real-life testimony of a former crack addict to Moms Mabley, this compilation of character sketches runs the gamut of literary genres. Starring Rhonda Bellamy, with music by renowned composer Grenoldo Frazier, the vignettes are interspersed with vocals by Si’Livea Johnson and choreography by Robert Fowler and Lisette Carr.

The conference will also feature two noted speakers -- Willie E. Gary at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, in the Warwick Center Ballroom, and Ayinde Jean Baptiste at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 2, also in the Warwick Center Ballroom. They were selected to further the conference goals of promoting leadership, self-awareness, and addressing issues of concern with in the African-American and world communities.

For further information about the conference, please contact Billie Fleming, Jessica Jones, or Shelly Hoover at (910) 962-3877.