Emanuel Cleaver to speak at KU symposium for black youths Oct. 30

LAWRENCE -- The Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II, former mayor of Kansas City, Mo., will speak on "Black Legends in Education" as part of the 18th annual Black Leadership Symposium Oct. 30 in the Kansas Union at the University of Kansas.

The annual event draws more than 500 African-American high school students and faculty sponsors to KU for a daylong series of workshops and dialogues promoting minority leadership. In keeping with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka landmark decision, this year's program will encourage African-American youths to reflect on education pioneers.

Student participation in the symposium is handled through the Kansas schools and is based on academic achievement and leadership potential. Students will participate in workshops about leadership, the importance of a postsecondary education and preparing for college.

This year's symposium will honor the leadership and dedication of Jacob U. Gordon, KU associate professor of African and African-American studies, who is preparing to retire. Gordon is known for his work in educating black students for leadership roles.

For more information or to register, visit www.kuce.org/programs/bls, call (785) 864-KUCE (5823) or toll free (877) 404-KUCE (5823), or e-mail kuce@ku.edu.

Cleaver became the city's first black mayor in 1991 and was re-elected in 1995. His priorities included job creation and improving the city's landscape and infrastructure. A cultural center he helped establish at 18th and Vine streets helped revitalize the historic area. Cleaver served two terms as president of the National Conference of Black Mayors and was a speaker at the 1996 Democratic National Convention. In 1999, the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation renamed one of the city's longest streets Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard. Cleaver also has been senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church for 25 years.

The conference is sponsored by the KU Office of the Provost, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Admissions and Scholarships, Center for Multicultural Leadership and KU Continuing Education.