25th Annual African American Leadership Conference inspires in the Hub City
JACKSON, Tenn. — One event brings Tennesseans to the Hub City for fellowship, education, and inspiration.
April has been a time of joy and motivation over the last 25 years as leaders have come together to educate and converse with each other.
The African American Leadership Conference is a program that came out of the University of Tennessee at Martin WestStar classes.
“And what it’s done is brought leaders leaders from across the State of Tennessee, and it is formed one of the largest network systems, I believe in the State of Tennessee. So we have people from our time, so they get to come in and meet people, you make friends for life. And you network. And because of that, I say West Tennessee, this is a better place to be,” said Anne Banks, Chair of the West Star African American Leadership Conference Committee.
Dr. Yancy Freeman was the keynote speaker for the silver event, and his story was sure to inspire a lot of people.
“I’m the first black chancellor for any undergraduate campus of the University of Tennessee,” Dr. Freeman said. “Since August of 2023. And I am absolutely living in my purpose. I’m having fun. I’m enjoying hanging out with the students and doing what I can to have a transformational experience for them on the campus.”
Being in the room, you could feel the excitement of these African American leaders that were joyful to learn and grow in the perspective fields.
And if you are a younger leader looking to start making connections, Banks shares some wisdom.
“It’s not always reinventing the wheel, go to someone that has been doing something similar to that and build on what that person has done. So seek advice,” Banks said.
That vital knowledge from the community was one of the topics that was stated numerous times as one of the advantages from the event.
The conference ended with awards for an emerging leader under 40, plus an outstanding leader for those over 40.
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