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Hello from The Great State of Oklahoma! 

On behalf of the Planning Committee for the 43rd Annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government, we want officially invite students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members to submit a workshop or a poster proposal to present at the 43rd Annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government from February 20-23! The conference is hosted at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK and we are excited to host some interactive, engaging and innovative workshops that will supplement what is learned at this prestigious leadership development conference.

This year’s theme is Generations Us: Unifying Blackness Through Social Change. The Big XII Conference on Black Student Government’s mission statement is: to provide strong, determined and courageous leadership and advocacy to affect our social and academic environments toward consideration of this community's collective concerns and issues where it pertains to the educational, socio-cultural, economic, and spiritual well-being of this community. Workshops should utilize the theme and the conference mission statement to organize effective learning outcomes for participants at the conference.

Adrian Perryman     
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm, Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma B)
“Get involved: Take a seat at the table where decisions are made”

 Decisions are being made that affect your life. Are you being properly represented? This facilitated presentation will highlight the importance of community involvement from on campus groups to neighborhood, city, county, and state councils, commissions, and boards or directors. These group have shaped where you can live, where you drive, how your money is spent, and more. The presentation will use information from my experience as a neighborhood district council member, Planning Commissioner, non-profit board member, higher education professional, and other community involvement.

Alexis Hunter
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner A)
“Memes as Digital Graffiti and Political Cartoons”

Our lab drew from hip-hop pedagogies and critical race humor and celebrated the anti-rape commentary of memes created by Black high schoolers in a summer credit recovery program. When connected to rich histories of graffiti and political cartooning in Black communities, the creation of memes becomes a process of empowerment, and the sharing of memes becomes a way to “tag”, disrupt and transform consciousness on social issues. Our lab offers important historical grounding for educators who hope to make connections between contemporary online activism and art foundations.

All the Vibes Podcast
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: University J)
THE BLACKPRINT: A HIP HOP CULTURE”
      

The world wants the culture and not the color. Hip Hop/Rap has taken over the world and everything in it. We are the blueprint! All the Vibes, a music-based podcast, invites you to join our open discussion about the influence Hip Hop & the Black culture have on the world.

Andrea Benjamin     
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm, Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma H)
Voter Education: Preparing for the 2020 Election”           

This is an interactive workshop to help you do research on candidates for the Primary Election.  The goal is for you to decide which candidate to support in the Primary Election and eventually the 2020 Presidential Election!

Angel L. Wilson, Ph.D.        
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm, Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner B)
Maintaining Your "Stallion" Status Through Any Season”

This is an informal Sista friend discussion for Black women collegiate. Taking into consideration the weight thrust upon us by society’s standards to be supernatural superwomen, it is easy to forget the power we actually possess. Having the status as the most educated in the country (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, (2019) is insignificant when you are constantly made to feel inferior and invisible. Whether inside or outside of the classroom, from the boardroom to the bedroom, Greek or geek, it is critically important to develop and nurture your inner “hot girl.” With a little assistance from Megan Thee Stallion, one of music’s and Black culture’s hottest representatives, we’ll learn how to cultivate bravery, brilliance, and boldness within a society that’s trying it's best to dim your light. *Audience Advisory due to mature themes and explicit language. *

Baahir Jinadu 
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma D)
#UnpopularOpinions: Staying Confident and Opinionated as a Black Person in White America”

"In a world that constantly makes Black second guess themselves, how do we stay confident? How do we become silent as a people? Are those coon tendencies or just opinions? Do certain Black people silence others? This workshop covers an array of topics that question where confidence stems from and how we form our opinions as a result. There are different methods that we can use to generate and improve our self-confidence. A lot of the time, we do not realize that we can have privilege in our own accords, and this privilege can be used to shut other Black people down. It is easy to run with the crowd on volatile issues and trending topics, but true leadership is hearing differing opinions on certain topics and still being true to yourself and your cause. These topics will be discussed and hopefully leave participants better-off than when they arrived."

Braylon Warrior      
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner A)
You're worried about the wrong thighs”     

As people of color the average lifespan is significantly shorter than our white counterparts, mostly because of heart disease and stroke. Foods common in the African American community, especially the recent viral fast food chain Popeyes is killing us. This presentation opens your eyes and takes a closer look on how we can do better and live and longer healthier life. 

Brendonn Moss        
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma I - Friday; Oklahoma A - Saturday)
Leading in a world that DESPERATELY needs what you have”    

"Where have all the leaders gone? There once was a time where individuals were not afraid to be themselves and lead others. Now it’s all about social media, phones, tablets, and don’t forget about the latest drama society has to offer. We all have different gifts and talents that when used correctly can influence those around us. However, no one views you as a leader because truth be told you don’t view yourself as a leader. A wise man once said, “leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less.” We all have the capability of leading, we just need to fine tune what we already have."

Bryan Hotchkins, Ph.D.
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm, Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma D)

Façade Podcast: DAMN! Can we use Hip Hop therapy to make sure ‘We gone Be Alright’ in our Black-ish?”

We understand that Black people control the cool globally, especially within Hip Hop music, yet still experience anti-Blackness. To explore the numerous ways participants, navigate anti-Blackness on college campuses we unpack the Kendrick Lamar DAMN album from BLOOD to DUCKWORTH. Together we educate each other about the value of Black college student self-preservation in an attempt to interweave individual and community narratives. We begin by answering these two questions: “who would you be outside of your Colonized mind and why does it matter like your Black life?” Finally, participants design a Black-ish playlist to listen to when self-celebration is needed, or their Black is tired. The session has three learning outcomes: 1) raise cultural self-awareness about anti-Blackness within college settings; 2) experience musical escapism through utilizing Hip Hop Therapy; and 3) explore coping strategies sonically to rethink what it means to be Black.

Chrishell Seals          
Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)
“Trigger Warning”

Trigger Warning is an intense and in-depth look into the reality of why sexual assault is still prevalent. It includes an array of our research findings, personal stories, and activities to better help the audience both understand and connect to the material being presented. In exposing common issues causing sexual assault, we will provide insight on how we can engage in truly consensual sex. 

Cordney McClain and George Lee
Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
Politicking the Playa Way”

This session will essentially speak on the strategy pertaining to political analysis from an interpersonal and collective Black inter-sectional lens. Participants will engage in historical as well as contemporary events concerning Black people and the game of politics. Some learning objectives will be understanding how Black people are collectively positioned in Politics, exploring the policy making process and discussing what we can do as Black people in the 2020 election.

Courtney Patterson
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm, Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma C)
         
The Brand in You”

What do people say about you when you are not in the room? Whatever it is— that is your personal brand. Building one's personal brand is becoming a source of great value in a transparent and interconnected world. Celebrities, entertainers, and political figures have long recognized the value and the benefits of branding themselves to reach their goals. So, why not build yours to reach your full potential, too. It's not about selling yourself, but about attracting the opportunities and connections that will benefit you and your life. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to explore their options or just to gain some clarity about themselves.

Dedrick Perkins       
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma B)
“God Save the Black Queen: A History and Critique of the "Strong Black Woman" in Higher Education”           

The intersection of race and gender has major effects on students who are leaving home for the first time, especially black women entering a primarily white institution. The stress and strain of holding two very oppressive societal roles while being expected to fill a role of over exceeding resiliency and strength are often overlooked by faculty and administrators on these campuses. This presentation will bring awareness of how Black women at primarily white institutions are socialized to be silent victims of increased hardships. The presentation will include a brief explanation of why the topic is important to the presenter. The presentation will provide a definition and history of the “Strong Black Woman” stereotype and how it’s developed and reinforced. The presentation ends with practical suggestions for administrators to support Black female students.

Eric Rollerson
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)         
The Pill & Potion for Success: When Passion Meets Purpose”

What is your passion? Do you know your purpose? Can you imagine the results of combing the two? During this workshop, Eric Rollerson, author of “Right Pieces, Wrong Puzzle: The Synergy of Passion & Purpose”, will highlight the importance of passion and purpose as they relate to choosing a major, pursuing a certain professional career, and creating “side-hustles” that work as additional streams of income. In addition to group discussions, there will be a fun group activity called Steppingstone; if you want to succeed, you’re going to have to work as a team. Keep in mind: this activity can resemble the “real world.”

Jamelia R. Reed       
Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma I)
“Da Black Agenda”  

“Yáll think it’s bougie, I’m like, “It’s fine” But I’m trying to give to give you a million dollars’ worth of game”- The Story of O.J. by Jay-Z (circa 2018, 4:44) What is “Da Black Agenda”? How do we achieve “Da Black Agenda”? A community discussion workshop to improve overall leadership, participation, funding and impact of Black Organizations at Predominantly White Institutions. We will be analyzing the purpose of all Black Organizations and their service to the Black Community. In addition, discussing best practices and implications to ensure a safe space for all black students, regardless of intersectional identities. “Da Black Agenda” requires every organization, from Greeks to party promoters and activist groups, regardless of any type. This workshop is for you and making your campus better. This workshop is open to all regardless of leadership experience and organization association.  Come find out how your school can fully achieve “Da Black Agenda.”

Jamelia R. Reed        
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma D)
“Efficient Activism: Using Unapologetic and Explicit Rhetoric to make Real Change”

"As People of Color and members of marginalized groups, know all too well the faces of oppression we see every day. Oppression isn't just a buzzword it's something we have to live through every day and too often…”-Jamelia R. Reed (circa 2019). In this workshop we will be discussing tactics, plans and implementations of equitable solutions to student success of students of color through activism. By analyzing your campus, administration, student body, student organizations, black community and national influence, you will be able to produce and enforce a plan of activism on your campus that is efficient and unapologetic. No experience is needed but, an open mind is required. We will be reviewing past activism (more than MLK and Malcolm X) as well as current movements that curate best plans for your campus. This is recommended for formal leadership (presidents, treasurers ….. etc.), advisers, university officials, and regular membership. Come join Efficient Activism: Using Unapologetic and Explicit Rhetoric to make Real Change."

Jasmine Brown and Liv Whitley
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma I)          
You’re Supposed to be Here, Sis: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Leaning into Your Purpose”
     

The purpose of the workshop is to gather as sisters in a space where we are free to express the stressors of education and work, with the implications of feeling as though we are imposters in these spaces. Utilizing a Black Feminist Thought framework we will attempt to analyze the systemic and institutionalized racial agenda in these spaces and how it can be a contributor to the feeling of imposter syndrome. We will also look into other contextual ideologies behind imposter syndrome while providing tools and takeaways to promote healing and self-care with the goal of leaning into your own purpose.

Jasmine Fain & Kirsten Bowler     
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner A)
Shea Butter Branding: Making A Bag on Your Image”      

Have you ever wondered how you can make extra income from social media? Shea Butter Branding is that workshop to teach you how define your brand, grow audience traction, and secure partnerships with companies.

Jay Todd       
Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma J)
“The Imposter Syndrome: What We Feel Vs. What’s Real "

This is a psychological pattern that we all fall into as we grow more into who we are destined to be. That feeling that you don't belong where you are, the constant feeling of self-doubt, a lack of self-care and a constant sense of self sabotage that is deep within. Being Black requires you not only to make it against all odds, but to make it against yourself. From generational curses & mental health, to emotional intelligence, relationships both romantic & interpersonal. It's time to grow & know that if we can't be real with ourselves, then we can't be real with anyone else. This isn't only a workshop, but an experience to explore the difference between what we feel & what's real. 

The hardest working, educated, and imitated group of people: Black Women. Somehow always making things happen, Independence is something that Black Women are familiar with in some form, shape or fashion. This series grounded in Black Women Empowerment will highlight, celebrate and bring awareness to The Independent Black Woman. Focusing on Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Relationships and Self Care, we will delve into and expand on one notable and powerful song by Destiny's Child: Independent Woman.

Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma H)
“Independent Women: I Bought It”

  •  A look at Financial Freedom and the Importance of Investing and Saving

Friday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
“Independent Women: It Ain’t Easy: Self Care”

  • What does self-care-look like for black women? Do you fully participate in self-care?

Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma I)
“Independent Women: I Depend on Me”

  • The focus on Mental Health Aware, Care, and Stability. It is OK to have a therapist.

Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
“Independent Women: 50/50 Relationships”

  • Mentorship, Friendship, and Relationships: What are you giving/receiving in your relationships? 

Jericka Handie         
Saturday: 10:00-11:00am, Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)
The Secret to Getting What You Want”       

Learn how positive words of affirmation can be used as a tool for success when used properly. This presentation will equip students with tips and tricks for achieving their goals and will insert optimism into each student's life, making it easier for them to avoid worry and negative thinking. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Come learn how to cope with the daily affairs of life and manifest your goals! 

Johnny Brownlee II
Friday: 9:50-10:50am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer B)
 "It’s Conference, Not Carnival"
       

"Due to numerous social media post, pictures, stories, and sometimes the conferences own advertisements; many schools no longer see the benefit of sending students to conferences because they are treated as vacations, not as learning and enrichment opportunities. Its Conference, Not Carnival is a spinoff of the Book and workshop Getting In Our Own Way: The Degradation of Student Organizations. We seek to reverse this trend and thought process of administrations not seeing the value of conferences and students not focusing on the right aspects of conference, by teaching students to treat conference as a business trip; teaching them how to masterfully work the conference so that they focus on the right things, develop and can be trusted and encouraged to go to conferences. As students attending a conference is a privilege, not a birthright."

Johnny Brownlee II 
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner A)
“Getting In Our Own Way: The Degradation of Student Organizations”    

"Across the nation our student organizations are struggling, and student governments are struggling. Many seem to be on their last leg, past their prime, obsolete etc. Organizations don’t have the activism and sacrifice of students from the 60’s and 70’s, drive of the 80’s, survival skills of the 90’s or money and participation of orgs form the early 2000’s. We seek to see if it’s a generational problem or are other factor the problem. We examine 6 sinister problems that are costing student organizations funding, stability, sustainability, etc. We’re often taught how to be good leaders, but never how to run good organizations, revive them or save them from peril. We’ll learn how to get diversity, inclusion, representation, funding, respect and cooperation, so that we can take our organizations to levels not even imagined"

Jordan Brown          
Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma B)
“A Dream That Freedom Would Include Us”

A dive into the role of the LGBTQ community in the civil rights and other social movements. Also, talking about where the LGBTQ black community is today and how we can move forward.

Joy Douglas  
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm, 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
Take Care Black Girl”        

Many black women do not experience true self-awareness because of what they are put through by the world. Even with the extensive history of being mothers to everyone under the sun, they still had no sense of self or any idea how to love themselves. Black women are taught to hate everything that makes them beautiful. The essence of black women is seen as beautiful when it is appropriated by non-black bodies and our natural curves are manufactured as a commodity for anyone to purchase. Black women have to realize the power that they possess as THE OG trendsetters and capitalize on it. Before we can get there, we have to take a step back and learn to Take Care Black Girl. The little black girl inside of us that is broken, tormented, unfulfilled, unloved and feels unworthy. You deserve to heal and evolve into your best self.  

Joya D. Hegamin      
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm, Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)
“Two Shots of Golden Rule, Please”

Two Shots of Golden Rule is a workshop designed to uncover the truths of social etiquette amongst your peers at a PWI. It covers the “Golden Rules” and why it is important to follow them. How to be inclusive without saying that you are and a quick vibe check for those you may be experiencing this from.

Justice Davis 
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, 1:45-2:45pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)
"Yeah I'm In My Bag, But I'm In Theirs Too"

This workshop will focus on how to be a trailblazer of Inclusion and Diversity within the workplace and/or on campus. We will empower students to be confident in their Blackness even in spaces where they feel marginalized or uncomfortable. As young Black professionals, we understand the need of securing the "corporate bag" while remaining authentic. This will be a raw/unfiltered conversion on the truths of navigating the corporate world. 

Kayla Storrs
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm, Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer B)

Did They Really Just Say That?”

Managing and Combating Microaggressions in the Spaces We Occupy Microaggressions manifest in a multitude of ways and on a variety of levels. From comments made about our oratory skills to being looked at to speak for the entirety of our race, we sometimes find ourselves wondering if these interactions are actually real. In the moment, we're tasked with determining whether to address it, or leave it alone, a decision that usually weighs on us long after the interaction itself. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn tools to manage microaggressions and participate in role play activities to practice combatting them in the moment. 

Kriskumar Singh     
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm, Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma I)
What Boosie & Ralph Lauren Should Have Known: NPHC 101”

Since 1906, black Greek fraternity and sorority members have played a crucial role on campuses and in communities that shaped them to what they are today. Want to learn more about the NPHC? Come learn about the historically black Greek fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Attendees will learn how these organizations came about, their role throughout history, and their significance in the 21st century. Attendees will also gain a better understanding of NPHC culture and how to navigate NPHC spaces.

Kwame Mensah
Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer B)
“From Brown to Fisher: The Minority Students’ Journey to Law School”

This workshop will be broken down into two portions. The first portion will cover the evolution of case law dealing with affirmative action in the educational setting beginning from Brown v. Board of Education and ending in the most recent case law. The second part of the workshop looks at recent trends in the acceptance of minority students to top tier law schools and provides guides to potential applicants gathered from current or recently accepted law students, law faculty and practicing attorneys.

Kristina Davis
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A) 
Student Side Hustle: Through College Experience”

I plan to educate and empower students to use their talents and resources to create sources of income for themselves through and after college. Motivating them to not try to create something new but reinvent the hustle. Due to my background and experiences I have discovered how important financial literacy, and opportunities play a major role in the minor communities.

Leondre Lattimore   
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm, Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer B)
“Oklahoma Is Black History”           

Oklahoma often gets overlooked in black history; however, its impact cannot go unrecognized. Learn about how Oklahoma’s role in black history affected all African Americans in our fight for equity.

Nkosiyabo Adebowale & Kayla Pittman   
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma B)
Two Can Play the Game”   

This workshop is a look into the history of both Black Feminism and Black Male Masculinity in how they have affected communication skills amongst Black and Brown women and men in the 21st century. Though this is not the end all answers to all questions regarding the problems we see in the Black community it is a start of the conversation. Come ready with an open mind and prepared to be conflicted with what you already know.

Nuchelle L. Chance, M.A. and Jetta Smith
 
Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Okahoma D)         
You don’t have to sell out while learning to navigate professional environments!”
     

Transitioning from college and full-time student status into the workforce can be challenging to for young adults and recent graduates.

Swapping class lectures, research papers, library study sessions and campus parties for a full-time job or career, the 9-to-5, time clocks, pay checks, interoffice politics and so on is a big transition, and students who haven't worked in this type of environment before may not be fully prepared for the shift.

For sistahs, brothas, and other young men and women of color these challenges may be amplified as they balance staying authentically true to themselves while “checking the boxes” and “playing their part”.

Young professionals, specifically Black men and women need social and professional support as well as regular self-care to find and maintain balance to avoid workplace and personal stress collisions. Come join us as we discuss topics such managing appearance, language & code-switching, tokenism, intersectionality & overlapping roles, and balancing stereotypes and more.

You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams come true...time to show the world what you can do!

Join us for a conversation facilitated by Nuchelle Chance, M.A., FHSU Dept of Psychology faculty and Jetta Smith, B.A. 

Makya Stell, Nadja Theodore, Jay Green, and Abbey Sempebwa
Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma J)
The Life of a Student Business Owner (Panel)

This workshop will allow students to learn what it means to be a business owner while also maintaining your status as a student. We will explore the different types of business tips in a fun and interactive way. Come learn what it takes to be a student business owner. 

Marshall Allen
Friday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)        
Legislating Action”

Protest is a tool used to influence policy and law, that often stands synonymously with rights of free-speech and assembly. Often perceived as destructive, or civil disobedience, protests are actions of contention that spark constant discourse. The analysis of each respective occurrence, however, differs with an individual’s stance on an issue, and more importantly the race of the actors. This paper aims to explain the reactionary changes to laws created or amended, which regulate action and behavior. Freedom of Speech, and the Right to Assemble, are applied differently in regard to Black protestors, especially when the motivating factor is racial inequality. By examining 18 states recent changes to legislation, tracking each focusing event (i.e. blocking an interstate) examining the indicators which prompted such action (i.e. shootings of unarmed Black people, or not having clean water) and comparing the language from previous amended legislation, to current amendments.

Michael Williams     
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma C)
Marginalization amongst the marginalized”

Exploring how black communities marginalize their own students due to lack of understanding what blackness actually means and why it is detrimental to making a stronger black community.  

Miles Kelly    
Friday: 1:45-2:45pm, Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma A)
Stop being #Woke and Start doing the Work”         

#Woke has become a word regularly used in conversation related to social justice in the last couple of years. Though it’s time to Stop being Woke and Start doing the Work. Through this presentation, it is our goal to have a critical discussion on what it means to do the Work. This session will provide participants with strategies to educate others and work towards transformative change. This session will also discuss the impact of Cancel Culture.

Monica Stevenson and Sabrina Peters      
Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner A)
The Time is Now: How to begin to dismantle white supremacy culture in our lives by understanding our own identities”

In a world where white supremacy culture is the air we breathe, it is essential for “generation us” to equip ourselves with the skills necessary to effectively dismantle white supremacy culture in our lives by understanding our own identities in the process. Monica Stevenson (OU Alum) and Sabrina Peters (NIU Alum) are two high school teachers who got their start through Teach for America (TFA). One TFA principle focuses on training leaders to operate through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These principles have led towards their commitment to DEI and is one of the driving forces in their work to eradicate all people from all ‘-isms’ (Racism, Sexism, Ageism, etc.) that have historically oppressed minorities, non-dominant cultures, and identities. It is our hope that when participants leave the session, they will be empowered with a deeper understanding of how their identities intersect and are impacted by white supremacy.

Paula Bowen
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer B)
Economics and Voting Rights of the Free People of Color in Antebellum New Orleans Discussing the Moral and Social Construct of Plaçage”

In the antebellum year, the state of Louisiana had a significant and privileged free colored community. The free people of color, as they were known, acquired a significant amount of economic power, wealth, education, and social standing. The elite class of skilled people made tremendous contributions both in their local communities and, in some cases, the world communities to include their written demands for suffrage to then President Abraham Lincoln. This lecture will examine what economic lessons we as African Americans learn from this unique socio-economic group.

Phil Armstrong
Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm, 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner B)
“From Tragedy to Triumph: The Legacy of Black Wall Street”

Established in 2015, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission elevates the history and legacy of the Historic Greenwood District, home to Tulsa’s original African American Community. The Commission is telling the long-buried stories of the victims and survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the spirit that rebuilt the district.

Robert Page
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma A)
“CHOOSE: Serving Mix Generation Identity Students”

This interactive and engaging workshop will provide the opportunity for discussion around serving multi-racial students.  The program will explore the historical, social and current context of navigating student success with your multiracial campus population.  Participants will leave this session with a better understanding that racial identity is a social construct and how this context impacts this population. 

Rodney Bates
Saturday: 2:00-3:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Sooner A)
Recommendation Letters 101”        

The Do's and Dont's of asking for recommendations letters. Participants will be able to understand the etiquette of requesting a recommendation. This workshop is designed to give understand on the different types of recommendation and when to request one.

Ryan Paige    
Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma G)
“Shine Bright Like a Diamond: Highlighting Transferable Skills from Your Undergraduate Experiences”

This workshop is designed to teach undergraduate students about transferable skills, which are the skills you have acquired during any activity in your life - jobs, classes, projects, hobbies, sports, student organizations, etc. - that are transferable and applicable to virtually any career. Skills, such as time management, communication, leadership, and motivation, are extremely useful when showing future employers how you can be a great fit in the workplace. Knowledge and utilization of your own transferable skills are a major key to gaining employment upon your college graduation. This workshop will examine transferable skills desired by employers and allow students to identify the skills they have gained through their classes, projects, extracurriculars, and work experience in order to better market themselves in future job searches. 

Syleste Davis and Alexis Hall          
Friday: 9:50-10:50am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
“Things I Wish I Knew: An in-depth dialogue on what it means to “Adult”

"We will be presenting on how to successfully navigate adult post-graduation. As two successful black women on campus and in our current Careers, we have compiled our knowledge of post grad life for a real conversation on how to set yourself up for success as you transition from college to career. The topics that we’ll cover are as follows: Transition from college to real life, Workplace Culture, Financial Stability, and Mental Health. 

Te'a Williams
Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
“The Importance of Cultural Immersion: Being Black and Abroad”

I heard there's a cool movement to do it for the culture, so let's jump on this new wave! We will unpack the importance of cultural immersion and studying abroad right before your eyes. Come listen to experiences, engage in activities, learn some Cumbia (a traditional Mexican dance), and understand why your black excellence is needed abroad! Let's show up, show out, and do it for the culture boo. 

Tiye Sherrod 
Saturday: 11:10am-12:10pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer A)
“Unabashedly Tackling Privilege through Curiosity, Humility, and Empathy”       

This workshop uses the power of storytelling to teach participants how to use curiosity to ask tough questions, humility to actively listen, and empathy to ask for what they need in moments of cultural tension.

Uvie Ewharekuko    
Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Boomer B)
“Bridging the Gap”

This workshop is an open forum where students will be able to voice their own opinions. We will be discussing the differences between African and African American cultures to get a better understanding of each overs viewpoints, create a more positive union, and unite the two groups as we fight for equality. We will talk about why we got to this point, how do we make things better, and where will we go from here. So please join us for an amazing workshop where will eat, talk, and learn about what makes us so different and yet the same.

Wiljar Ojuro
Saturday: 10:00-11:00am
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma C)
Why Race Matters: Reproductive Healthcare Presentation”

Ms. Norman International 2020, Wiljar Ojuro will address issues of racial disparity specifically in reproductive health and will introduce the concept of reproductive justice.  Reproductive justice expands established notions of reproductive rights to incorporate the rights of individuals to have and raise children in healthy and safe environments free from racism. It is the basis of a social movement led by women of color.

Zarah Barnes
Friday: 9:50-10:50am, 3:00-4:00pm
Embassy Suites Norman (Room: Oklahoma A)
“Landing your First Job”

Working toward landing an internship or your first job after graduation? This workshop will give you the inside scoop on all things job search. From LinkedIn to transferable skills, and everything in between, come hear from a College Recruiter at one of the nation's Fastest Growing Tech Companies and Best Places to Work. You’ll learn about how to open the doors, make the best impression, and secure the bag.