35th Annual Conference on the Black Family

The Hampton University School of Business will host the 35th Annual Conference on the Black Family on March 20-22, 2013 on the campus of Hampton University. This year's theme, "From Income to Wealth: Economic Development in the African-American Community", will discuss financial awareness and issues as it relates to the Black Family.

Ms. Shawn Ricks, Acting Director of the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce will give the keynote address at the opening ceremony on March 20 at 7 p.m. in Ogden Hall. On March 21, the conference will consist of informational sessions and panel discussions centered on the theme including creating a quality balance between work and family, entrepreneurship, global investment and wealth creation, and workplace challenges in the 21st century. The conference will continue on March 22 with a workshop on personal finance and legal issues affecting the African-American community followed by the closing luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The guest speaker for the luncheon will be Ms. Margot James Copeland, Executive Vice President of Corporate Diversity and Philanthropy of KeyBank and Chair of KeyBank Foundation. Copeland is also the National President of The Links, Inc.

The conference will address financial solutions for overcoming the financial disparity that continues to impact the black family. The conference will also address the many accomplishments achieved individually and collectively in the black community. "In the aftermath of the recession of 2008 - 2009, many African American families are struggling to make ends meet. Our research suggests an expenditure reduction model to motivate the discipline to save and subsequently to invest.", said Dr. Sid Howard Credle, Dean of the HU School of Business.

This year, the conference will feature presenters from the Department of Commerce, Black Executive Exchange Program, Premier Bank, and the Hampton University Business Incubator.

Since 1978, HU's Conference on the Black Family has created a forum for prevalent issues concerning the black family. HU President Dr. William R. Harvey saw a need for consistent dialogue in the African American community and initiated the conference to fill the void.

The conference early registration fee (including luncheon) is $40 for the general public, $25 for military and senior citizens. After March 8th, registration is $55 for the general public and $30 for military and senior citizens. The conference sessions are free for HU students, faculty and staff. To attend the luncheon only on Friday, March 22 is $35. For more information, contact the School of Business by calling 757.727.5472.