Black Male State Conference Begins with a Focus on Education

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Today the Family and Social Services Administration's (FSSA) Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (ICSSBM) began its 14th Annual Black Male State Conference. The two-day event at the new Indianapolis central library started this morning with a new theme to focus on the "Total Education of the Black Male".
 
"We are very excited about this year's statewide conference here in Indianapolis. The conference will consist of several workshops that deal with the development of the African-American males across the state and abroad," said ICSSBM Chairman Tony Kirkland. "We want everyone to be involved and engaged in our conference."
 
Today's keynote address was presented by Emmy-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. Gossett's Broadway theatre credits include A Raisin in the Sun, Golden Boy, and Chicago. Gossett also earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in An Officer and a Gentleman. The format for this year's conference has changed slightly enabling the ICSSBM to focus solely on adults on the first day and turn to the African-American youth on the second day.
 
"The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for African-American Hoosiers," said ICSSBM Executive Director James Garrett, Jr. "This conference is a chance to come together and focus on education as a means to strengthen family and community."
 
The conference will continue through Friday, with single-day registration available on-site. Friday's session will feature keynote speaker, IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter. Hunter continues to emphasize the need for him and his players to be actively involved in the community and will speak on his experiences.
 
For additional information on the conference, contact James E. Garrett Jr. at 317 233-1744 or via email at James.Garrett@fssa.in.gov or Steven Ingram at 317-233-8849 or via email at Steven.Ingram@fssa.in.gov. For more information on ICSSBM, go to: www.in.gov/icssbm.

Source: Family and Social Services Administration

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