August ‘Real Talk’ conversation to focus on ‘The Invisible Man on High School and College Campuses’

The second in a yearlong series of candid community conversations on the relevance of the American black male in the 21st century will focus on “Where is the Black Male? The Invisible Man on High School and College Campuses.” This event is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at UNC Charlotte Center City.

UNC Charlotte’s Center for the Study of the New South in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is presenting the free series “Real Talk: A Community Conversation – The Black American Male and Why He Still Matters in the 21st Century.”

Jeffrey Leak, director of the Center for the Study of the New South at UNC Charlotte, said, “Together, we will explore the unique challenges faced by the black American male – a man who, in many cases, still searches for his authentic self in a society within which he continues to be misunderstood, misinterpreted and misrepresented. We welcome all members of the community to join us for what is sure to be opportunities for thoughtful, respectful dialogue.”

Panels for the Aug. 21 event are:

• C. P. Gause, founder and editor, Journal of Black Masculinity
• Arthur Jackson, vice chancellor, student affairs, UNC Charlotte
• Chance Lewis, Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education, UNC Charlotte
• Roslyn Mickelson, professor, Department of Sociology, UNC Charlotte
• Adrian Sundiata, dean of students, Crossroads Charter High School

The dates and topics for the conversations are:

Thursday, Oct. 30, “Color, Culture and Cash: Realities and Fallacies of Employment and Economic Equity, with Patrick Graham, CEO, Urban League of Central Carolinas; Eric Watson, president and CEO, Carolinas MSDC; Kevin Henry, SVP and chief human resources officer, Snyder’s Lance; and Brian Willis, chair of economic empowerment, 100 Black Men of America.

Monday, Jan. 19, “Heart and Soul: What the Health of the Black American Male Means to the Entire Community”

Thursday April 23, “Gone ‘til November: Why the Judicial System Fails the Black American Male”

Thursday May 21, “I Am a Man! Black, Male and Gay”

RSVPs are on a first-come, first-served basis to Renee Albert (ralbert2@uncc.edu or 704-687-0085). Respondents are asked to include which event they plan to attend, the number and names of the attendees and contact information.