A Cleveland State University tradition for 32 years, Black Aspirations brings together contemporary social, political, and economic issues, All are welcome to learn and participate as we identify, examine, analyze, and reflect upon responsible actions for the growth and development of the African American community, while celebrating our unique blend of cultural arts and entertainment.

Black Aspirations will feature a series of speakers, workshops, performances, and a community dinner. Please join us as we recognize the faith that the past has taught us and the and the hope that the present has brought us.

Scroll down to see this year's events or click here to review Black Aspirations 2004.

All events for this University and community collaboration are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
For further information, call the Black Studies Program at 216-687-3655.

Calendar of Events

Saturday, April 16

Ohio Classic
(co-sponsor: Black Student Union)

Jammin' for Education Forum (Invitation Only)
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
UC 6 (Auditorium)

College Fair
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
UC Atrium

Imani Leadership Science Fair (Invitation Only)
(co-sponsor: CSU College of Science and NASA)
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
UC 201 (Orange Lounge)

17th Annual Curtis Wilson Scholarship Fund Dinner
Beachwood Hilton ($40 ticket)
Please RSVP to 687-3659
6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 18

"Finding My Purpose: Girls From Da Hood and Literacy Education"
Dr. Elaine Richardson
12:00 Noon - 1:30 p.m.
UC 6 (Auditorium)

CSU Community Dinner
featuring
Children's Choir Dir., Sara Lovejoy
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
UC 201

Art of Sankofa: Donna Faithwalker/Gina Washington
Exhibit: UC 201
Mural Project: Outside UC 201
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
UC 201 (Orange Lounge)

Tuesday, April 19

The Storyteller: Amir Rasheed
12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
UC 103

Hashim El-Ramun:
Workshop I: Ancient Astrolabs and Modern-Day Teleportation Discs
Workshop II: Remaining Human in an Impersonal World
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
UC 103

Ethnic Cleansing in Darfur: Religious and Tribal Conflicts
African Student Association Workshop
6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
UC 103

Wednesday, April 20

Master Class on the Negro Spiritual
Derek Lee Ragin
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Drinko Recital Hall

Why Are We Here? Discussing Your Purpose
Anthony Rucker "Da Boogie Man"
12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.
UC 6

Black Male/Female Relationships Workshop
Dr. Paula Mickens-English
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
UC 103

Poetry Slam
Featuring host Kisha Foster, DJ Noel and guest Anthony Rucker
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
UC 201

Thursday, April 21
BLACK INVENTIONS EXHIBIT in UC ATRIUM

Keynote Address: Focusing on History and Culture: The Next Generation
M.K. Asante, Jr. (co-sponsor: Black Student Union)
12:00 Noon - 1:30 p.m.
UC 6
Screening of M.K. Asante, Jr.'s Film "500 Years Later"
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
UC 6

Music - An Art of Purpose and Pleasure for the Young and the Young at Heart
Dr. Deforia Lane
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
UC 103
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Regionalism and Impacts of the African-American Community
A Panel Discussion led by the Black Alumni Association
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dively Hall, Urban Building

Friday, April 22
BLACK INVENTIONS EXHIBIT in UC ATRIUM

Life, Love, Liberation: Maintaining Purpose in the Midst of Madness
Stan Gordon/Adam Banks
12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.
UC 1

"Black in the Day"
A CSU Alumni Reunion co-sponsored by Black Alumni Association
2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
UC 103

Saturday, April 23

Homegoings, Crossings, Passings: An Academic Conference
Sponsored by CSU Black Studies and John Carroll University
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
John Carroll University
Admission Charged, Free to College Student with ID

NAACP - ACT-SO
6:00 p.m.
UC 6/Auditorium

Changing the Outlook on Diversity: 2005: The National Service Movement
Hosted by City Year and the Student Life Leadership Program
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

For further information, call the Black Studies Program at 216-687-3655.
Black Aspirations Celebration Committee: Black Studies Dept Dr. Michael R. Williams, Ruth Carter, Prester Pickett Student Life Brenda Bey, Kelly McCarthy Black Alumni Assoc. Eric Johnson Upward Bound Miguel Sanders OMACR Donna Whyte Community Michael Taylor, Elmer Buford, Norma Freeman, Donna Faithwalker, Gina Washington, Eugene Harris, Kisha Foster, David Mahir, Dionne Thomas-Carmichael, Judy Montfort, Bro, Abdul Qahhar

For further information, call the Black Studies Program at 216-687-3655.