Daughter of Malcolm X Featured Guest Speaker at KU's 2022 Ujima Conference Feb. 22-24

Photo of Shabazz.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University’s Multicultural Center is hosting its annual Ujima Conference Feb. 22-24. Ujima means “collective works.” This year’s conference will center around the celebration of Black history. A major highlight of the 2022 conference will be a keynote by professor Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, at the close of the event.

The 2022 Ujima Conference is open to all KU students, faculty and staff. Registration is required for some events. For more information, please contact the Multicultural Center or visit https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/multicultural-services/events.html.

In collaboration with the Women’s Center and the Dr. Constance P. Dent & Dr. Ann T. Gundry Distinguished Speaker Series, professor Shabazz will host the closing ceremony at 6:30 p.m., 218 MSU. Shabazz is an award-winning author, producer, motivational speaker, social activist and educator. She will deliver a 30-minute address and will wrap up the conference with a 30-minute question-and-answer session.

In addition, the 2022 Ujima Conference will include a host of events, activities, workshops and other keynote speakers that will be facilitated by current Multicultural Center staff and student workers. The theme this year is based on Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural poem, The Hill We Climb.

To kick off the conference, Chief Warrant Officer Five Phillip Brashear will be a guest speaker (in collaboration with Veterans and Military Services) at 11 a.m., Feb. 22, at 218 MSU. CW5 Brashear is the son of the subject in the 2000 film, “Men of Honor.” Brashear has extensive military history as he has served in the Naval Reserve, Virginia Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. He has served the U.S. for more than 38 years and will be an honorable opening guest speaker of the 2022 Ujima Conference.

Paint by Numbers will take place 1-3 p.m., Feb. 22, at the Multicultural Center, where students can celebrate Black culture through painting. Well-Being activities will follow Tuesday night on the second floor of the Rec Center from 6:30-9:30 p.m., with an array of fun games and activities.

KU will host “Let’s Croc About It,” 11 a.m. to noon, Feb. 23, at the Multicultural Center, where students can get fun charms for their Crocs and enjoy fellowship and snacks. Students can stop by the Multicultural Center noon to 1 p.m., for the Bag Lunch: Breaking the Generation Curse for great conversation and food. All are welcome to join at the MSU table across from the Info Desk from 1:30-2:30 p.m., to paint quotes of affirmation during Encouraging Rock Painting. The rocks will be collected and placed around campus to promote Black health awareness. Kwanzaa Themed Bingo will take place 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Multicultural Center, where prizes and community fellowship will be offered. Slam Poetry will be from 6-7 p.m. at the Multicultural Center, which gives the opportunity for students to recite works of Black poets or their own pieces.

The day will end with guest speaker Traciana Graves, who will present 7-8 p.m., 183 MSU Alumni Auditorium. Graves is a leadership development coach and founder of The VLNetwork. In collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement and Kutztown University Activities Board, Grave’s Black history presentation will focus on fostering hope and celebrating everyone’s dreams.

Be sure to pick up self-care kits 2:30-3:30 p.m., Feb. 24, at the Multicultural Center (RSVP required on Engage). Beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the MCC, Texture Curl Bar will host the LOVE Your HAIR Care Discussion that will include free professional hair care tips and products for those who attend.