We will also go in-depth on how community service provides enjoyment, provides a quality lifestyle for others, the ability to broaden the spectrum of who you come into contact with, and even skill development. We will also discuss how community service brings global awareness on issues, that may in fact impact everyone in the long run.

This topic relates to the conference theme, "Black in America...One Campus...One Community...and Unified for one Cause," because community service is a way to bring everyone together, no matter what ethnicity, culture, or backgroud. Community service provides a quality way to not only unify everyone, but complete service for the greater good. Thus connecting national and global communities in a positive and beneficial way.

To get the audience involved during our presentation, we will provide interactive activities and handouts-for note taking and additional information regarding our topic.

The purpose of this session is to illuminate mentoring relationship efforts and programs, which aid in the development of Black student-(athletes) in the 21st century. More specifically, this session will demonstrate the significance of race, ethnicity, and culture in facilitating the formal and informal mentoring efforts in the context of the predominantly white institution of higher education (PWIHE). While mentoring has numerous definitions, the practice itself has several benefits to include career support, emotional and psychosocial support, and role modeling. In an effort to achieve its benefits, the mentor-mentee relationship should entail a level of trust, a mutual vision or goal, professional skill development, and networking opportunities. That said, mentoring Black students in the PWIHE also aid in retention, academic achievement, identity development, and strategies to cope with institutional racism. However, what about mentoring today’s Black student-(athlete)? This session will provide a forum for the emergence of mentoring relationships and discussions around the Black student (-athletes) and provide insight into the various program a) philosophies, b) models, c) challenges, and d) solutions.

The success of your organization stems from your university and community partnerships. Innovatively leading your organization requires a team to ascend into higher realms of thinking and imagination. This creativity allows a team to create unique outlets to unify the campus and local community through collaborative leadership development and programming efforts. Thus embodying the theme of “One Campus…One Community…Unified for One Cause.”

Black Issues Conference 2012

Unity in the Black Community

Abstract

Background: As an African American student who attends a pre-dominantly White Institution, I’ve found that the importance of unity is much more greater than we allow it to appear; by “We” I am referring to the African-American population that rests within the University’s community. When a new student is admitted into the University, it is not difficult that not only is there segregation between all races of students, but also within the different races lays a much deeper separation. Because of these issues that rise within communities daily, I’ve chosen to present on the topic “Unity in the Black Community”. I believe that in order for us to be united with other races that surround us, we much find unity within ourselves as a people, while working towards accepting each other’s diversity. Methods: To present the importance of this information to my fellow peers, I’ve constructed a Demonstration through PowerPoint that entails more in depth details about what Unity is, how we can work towards implementing it within our society, and the benefits that are brought by it should we succeed in it. Along with the PowerPoint presentation, I’ve also added visual aid (videos) than can aid my audience in better understanding why unity is important and the benefits it has on us as individuals and as people together. Conclusion: Educating the Black Community about Unity is important for strength, prosperity, and communication within ourselves. It not only is beneficial for today’s generation, but it helps us mold better lives for generations to come. Lets be united and make bigger differences in our communities than those that take place now.

Summary

“A House divided is a House that cannot Stand”

I believe that my presentation will effectively educate the African-American people about the importance of our uniting. When people are being asked to change their ways for the goodness of humanity, 90% of the time, they ask why? And How? I have put together a presentation that includes definitions, quotes, pictures, and videos about how the Black culture can effectively work towards uniting with one another. As schools, the workplace, and communities continue to segregate, it is helpful for people to come together and be as “one” to improve our culture.

Outline

Introduction:

A). Raised Fist: the background information about the “raised fist” and what it represents.

B). Definition of Unity.

Unity in Schools:

A) Do you think that there is unity on campus.

B) Class socialization between Greeks, Religious Groups, Organizations, etc.

C) You Tube Video about “Visions of Black Schools Uniting”

Unity in the Workplace:

A). Do African Americans segregate themselves in the workplace?

B). Do we uplift one another enough at work?

Unity in the Communities:

A). School zoning, Transportation, Food, and Housing.

B). Make a Difference Chart: Explains the little effort that the African American youth from ages 15-25 give to make a difference in their communities.

C). “How Can we Foster Unity in the Black Community” video: correlates all the information taught by giving more in depth examples of improvements in the Black Community.

Discussion:

A) Everyone will be given a notecard handout with the “Black Child’s Pledge” typed on it and I will lead a discussion about each line or stanza and its importance.

B) The Poem:

Black Child's Pledge

I pledge allegiance to my Black People. I pledge to develop my mind and body to the greatest extent possible. I will learn all that I can in order to give my best to my People in their struggle for liberation. I will keep myself physically fit, building a strong body free from drugs and other substances which weaken me and make me less capable of protecting myself, my family and my Black brothers and sisters. I will unselfishly share my knowledge and understanding with them in order to bring about change more quickly. I will discipline myself to direct my energies thoughtfully and constructively rather than wasting them in idle hatred. I will train myself never to hurt or allow others to harm my Black brothers and sisters for I recognize that we need every Black Man, Woman, and Child to be physically, mentally and psychologically strong. These principles I pledge to practice daily and to teach them to others in order to unite my People.

The Black Panther, October 26, 1968 by Shirley Williams