By Rebekah Zens
Contributing Writer
Hard work and dedication has always been the attitude of Professor Michael T. Fagin throughout his many years of teaching at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Pan African Student Leadership Conference is one event that he puts his heart and soul into and agrees with Black American political activist Jesse Jackson in saying, “Sweat causes change.”
For 35 years this conference has been held at MSU, this year marking the first of them under a new name. MSU President Richard Davenport dedicated the conference to Dr. Fagin for his many years of successfully hosting the national and international event.
“The significance of this conference continues to be one that provides a platform for faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Fagin. “They discuss and impart knowledge of the African Diaspora and experiences people of African heritage encounter throughout the world.”
Mr. Kenn Stanton, curator and administrator of the North American Black Historical Museum, gave a scholarly presentation on the significance of this privately supported organization located in Ontario, Canada. Mr. Stanton pointed out how Canada was the end point for many of the slaves who escaped during the Underground Railroad and also highlighted and traced his heritage as an African-Canadian to Tennessee.
Fagin explained that one of the conference’s most significant aspects is its multi-generational interest. There are adults discussing issues on the panels with the younger people. He believed all presenters to be phenomenal and perfect additions to the Pan African Conference.
“Mahmoud El-Kati, intellectual chief of African people in the Twin Cities area, gave a scholarly presentation highlighting events of the past which have significant meaning for today in guiding the future of African people,” said Dr. Fagin. “Then Mr. Spike Moss, a continuous supporter of the P.A.C., had delegates on the edge of their seats as he related some of the saddening events taking place in society that demonstrate the need for continuous monitoring of systems and institutions to assure equality.”
There were many other aspects of the conference beyond the speakers and panelists. Re-enactments, dances and speeches added to the mix. Trena Bolden-Fields played the part of Ida B. Wells and Diane Nash as she re-enacted parts of their lives in a short skit. Other participants included the Zulu Warriors and the Sudanese Dance Troop to show participants what traditional African dances look like.
Overall the conference was beyond expectations according to Dr. Fagin, Dr. Jayne Larsen, Dalton Crayton and other Institutional Diversity members involved. It not only reached its objectives and goals of promoting the history, culture and contemporary concerns of African people, it also provided thoughts to direct future activities.
“In terms of attendance and exciting speakers, it went well,” said Crayton, director of the Intercultural Student Center. “I really enjoyed the breakout sessions.”
Many students enjoyed the festivities as well, including senior marketing major Julia Carter. “One of my professors decided we were going to go to a session as a class,” said Carter. “Some seemed unenthused, but the experience was great. I’m glad we had the chance to go.”
Students were able to learn about East, West and South Africa as well as many places in the Caribbean and North America. “The 10th annual Somali Day was the pre-conference event,” said Dr. Fagin. “It added and brought Somali students from various locations throughout the state of Minnesota.”
Representatives from Southern Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, North America, South America and other locations of the African Diaspora attended and/or spoke at the event.
The dates have been confirmed for next year’s event: The 36th Dr. Michael T. Fagin Pan African Student Leadership Conference will be held at Minnesota State University, Mankato February 22-25, 2012.
Rebekah Zens is a journalism student at MSU.
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