About SBSLC 2008

The Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC) Executive Staff worked very diligently to Redefine EXXellence in 2008. The spelling of EXXcellence was intentional as this was the 20th conference.

Through their efforts and the support of the Department of Multicultural Services SBSLC 2008 was a huge success! With over 40 workshops, 30 career fair, 15 vendors, and more than 800 participants SBSLC 2008 proved to be one the largest conferences in the history. Our keynote speakers consisted of Dr.Randall Pinkett who has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author, scholar and community servant. He holds five academic degrees including the following: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science from Oxford University, Master of Science (S.M.) in Electrical Engineering from the MIT School of Engineering and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the MIT Sloan School of Management; and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the MIT Media Laboratory.

Mr. Robert Page who is currently the Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Kansas, Mr. Kevin Powell a poet, journalist, essayist, public speaker, hip-hop historian, political activist, and TV, radio, and Internet commentator, Kevin is also known for his stint as a cast member on the first season of MTV’s hugely successful series “The Real World” (New York City).

The closing banquet speaker was Ms. Immaculée Ilibagiza who survived the Rwanda genocide when she and seven other women huddled silently together in a cramped bathroom of a local pastor’s house for 91 days!

In celebration of its 20th conference, SBSLC was held in conjunction with the The Black Former Student Network Summit. Past SBSLC staff were recognized for their contributions to the conference and Mr. Kevin Carreathers, one of the founders of SBSLC, and Dr. Rodney McClendon were honored for leaving a legacy that our students continue to follow.

SBSLC has become an Aggieland tradition and a Division program. The staff is especially grateful to the Division of Student Affairs and each respective department of their assistance and support.

Please mark your calendars January 22-25, SBSLC 2009 promises to be a even bigger and better conference!