WSU Conferences To Help Black Youths Succeed

They want to be victors, not victims.

Tired of being stereotyped as troublemakers or athletes, eight African-American men decided to become role models for black youth.

The result was the Black-Male Orientation to Leadership Development (BOLD), a three-day conference for African Americans.

Since it started five years ago, hundreds of youths from the Northwest and California have met at Washington State University to discuss topics from sex and violence to education and the Internet.

“We want to tell black youth that they have the right to participate in the American dream,” said Bennie Harris, BOLD executive director. “Despite the obstacles and negative things that people say, we want to tell (the youth) we believe in them.”

More than 300 black males are expected this year. They will be joined at WSU by about 300 girls who will attend the African-American Women’s conference. AAW, started in 1993 by Harris’ wife, Frankie, is the female counterpart of BOLD.

The two gatherings are designed to address issues unique to African-Americans, Bennie Harris said.

Slavery and racism throughout history have left many blacks feeling like victims, he said. That’s why some African-American youths have chosen drugs, gangs and other “routes of destruction.”

With the theme, “Moving into the 21st Century: Brothas and Sistas, Get on the Bus,” this year’s conference hopes to motivate students with speakers and workshops on leadership and affirmative action.

The conference will kick off tonight with a rally and gospel concert. The more than 600 high school and college students also will stay in dorms throughout the weekend.

“I like to mingle with other blacks from across the state,” said Jesse Geddes, a North Central High School senior who has attended two previous BOLD conferences. “You make good contacts, and the workshops help you make future plans.”

Besides giving students the opportunity to network, conference officials hope to encourage students to graduate and attend college, said Raphael Guillory of WSU’s Multicultural Student Services.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Conferences The 1997 Black-Male Orientation to Leadership Development and the African-American Women’s conferences start tonight at WSU in Pullman. Registration is from 2 to 5 p.m. The $79 fee includes admission to all workshops, meals and housing in WSU dorms.