Hampton University's School of Engineering and Technology will host the 31st Annual Conference on the Black Family on March 18-20. This year's theme, “Sustaining our Communities: The Impact of Technology and Design on Our Future,” will focus on sustainability and technology in the African-American community.

Hampton, VA -The Hampton University School of Engineering and Technology will host the 31st Annual Conference on the Black Family on March 18-20. This year’s focus, “Sustaining our Communities: The Impact of Technology and Design on Our Future,” will discuss sustainability and technology in the African-American community. The Black Family Conference is free and open to the public.

As new advances in the field of engineering and technology emerge, the need for more conversation on the issue within the African-American community has increased. School of Engineering and Technology faculty and staff utilize the most advanced technology and research to support students as they prepare for various industries. Coupled with the success of Hampton University’s use of technology, including a mention as one of America’s top colleges for wireless capability in 2005, the School of Engineering and Technology will bring in speakers and panels to address the issue with the community.

“The Black family is faced with economic challenges like everyone else, but we are also faced with technology gaps, such as the digital divide,” stated Dr. Eric Sheppard, dean of the HU School of Engineering and Technology. “This conference will be an opportunity to discuss how technology and design are impacting our lives and how we can use them for a better future. We look forward to seeing you at the sessions.”

The Conference will begin with an opening session on March 18 in the Student Center Ballroom at 7p.m. The opening session will feature keynote speaker, retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert Crear, a noted general who led Task Force Hope, one of the largest disaster recovery operations in the history of the Army Corps of Engineers. As commander, Crear was responsible for supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response to Hurricane Katrina. The opening session will also acknowledge this year’s Honored Black Family, a tradition of the conference.

Conference sessions will include information from departments in the school as well as members of the HU community. The Departments of Aviation, Architecture, and Chemical and Electrical Engineering are all presenting information on advances in technology in various fields and the affect modern technology is having on the African-American community.

Dr. Spencer Baker, HU assistant professor in the division of professional education, will present a session “How Technology can Isolate Us.” Robert Watson, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and History will host, “Technology Advances and the African-American Community Panel.”

Invited community guests, who will be involved in panels and information sessions, include the Rev. Richard Willis, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hampton; Parsons Brinkerhoff, the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority, and Dominion Power.

Since 1978, HU's Black Family Conference has created a forum for prevalent issues concerning the black family. HU President Dr. William R. Harvey saw a need for consistent dialogue in the African-American community and initiated the conference to fill the void. This year's conference is geared to maintain that legacy and to continue to educate the black community.

A closing luncheon will be held March 20 at 12:30 p.m. in McGrew Towers. Cost to attend the closing luncheon is $25 per person.

For additional information, call the School of Engineering and Technology at (757) 728-6970;
or email set@hamptonu.edu.