African-American Leadership Conference convenes in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — People from more than a dozen West Tennessee counties attended the 18th annual African-American Leadership Conference on Tuesday.

Chairwoman Anne Banks said speakers cover topics including education, health and crime. “There are a lot of challenges,” she said. “There are also a lot of opportunities.”

The University of Tennessee at Martin WestStar leadership program hosted the event at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Jackson State Community College Dean of Academic Support Patrick Davis said he is interested in education and economic development. “Actually putting the rubber to the road and making strategies, making opportunities to employ people, those things just don’t happen overnight,” he said.

High school students from Haywood County and Hardeman County also attended the conference. “These are our future leaders,” Banks said.

Banks said they hope to inspire people. “We want people to be engaged because that’s what it takes,” she said. “It takes all of us working together to make this world a better place.”

Participants said by understanding common issues they could develop common goals.