The history department at The University of Memphis is hosting the sixth annual African -American History Conference Friday.
"I certainly hope that not only young African American students, but also any student who attends will be educated about the history of popular music and the many other topics that will be addressed," said Angela Martin teaching assistant in The U of M history department.
The theme of the conference is "Race and Rock." This year's conference is focused on graduate students who are researching and writing about African-American history. The event will serve as an open forum for the students to present their works.
"The papers presented at this conference will represent a broad spectrum of research presently being done by graduate students at colleges and universities across the country," said Martin.
The conference will feature Dr. Michael Bertrand of Tennessee State University, who is speaking on "Neither Black nor White: The roots of American Popular music." Students discussing the 50th anniversary of Rock and Roll, and other aspects of African-American history will present papers.
"I think this gives young adults a chance to learn what the world was like before they were born," says Stephanie Miller, U of M staff member. "Without black history we can't teach black children."
The sixth annual African-American History Conference is the first of its kind and the originators hope that it will continue.
"This is the only African-American history conference specifically for graduate students," said Martin.
This year's conference has really grown and the students hope it will continue to expand.
"This is a transition year for the conference," said Martin.
"We have more papers from The University of Memphis than ever before, we also have students from many other disciplines presenting papers. We hope that this conference will not only continue to grow, but will also become much more interdisciplinary and inclusive of all who are studying African American history and culture," said Martin.
Graduate and undergraduate student are welcome to attend. The campus sessions are $5 and tickets for the entire conference are $20.
"It's nice that the world is coming out to look at blacks as people," said Eddie Milam. "It is time for blacks to take a stand and be recognized in whatever they do."
