Black Leadership Symposium

Abstract

If one phrase could sum up the message of the Second Black Leadership Symposium, it would be "having a vision." University of Kansas Chancellor Gene Budig noted in his welcome address that it was commitment to a vision that led to the development of the Center for Black Leadership Development and Research. The vision or goal of the Center, as its name states, is to foster the development of leaders with ideas and the know-how to enhance the future of Blacks in Kansas. Each of the speakers' remarks included on the following pages touched on this theme. Joan Wallace approached this idea from the perspective of an administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as a representative of the Department overseas. Her advice was that progressive vision included seeking careers in areas not traditionally held by Blacks. Ann Butler, Ron Epps and Juanita McGovern approached the subject from their perspectives as educators. Not surprisingly, they said Blacks in Kansas have to keep sight on the educational system and make sure that it is meeting the needs of black children. Barbara Sabol looked at the role consideration of health plays in having and acting on a vision. She said Blacks must take into account the health risks caused by the abuse of alcohol and the use of tobacco.

The speakers also discussed what it takes to have vision. Frances Horowitz, Vice Chancellor for Research, Graduate Studies and Public Service, and Harvard Professor Walter Broadnax noted that success follows having strong values and motivation to con­tinue striving to make a vision a reality, even when the going gets rough. Of course, we all know that success takes money, and Don Ford, President of the Douglass Bank, noted that Blacks must take more control of their collective $2 billion spending power and reinvest that money in their communities. As Walter Broadnax noted, Blacks also need to move from being the ultimate consumer to becoming a full trading partner in the country's economic system.

The Symposium helped focus attention on the issues facing Blacks in Kansas. It would appear that the goal for future symposia would be to develop strategies that will address these issues, turning visions into reality.