Registration is Underway for African American Leadership Conference

National talk show host Tavis Smiley is expected to get a warm welcome from his supportive fans in Cincinnati when he delivers the keynote speech at the University of Cincinnati's 12th annual African American Leadership Conference Friday, April 27 at the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati. Smiley's keynote address will be held from 7-7:45 p.m. , followed by questions and a book signing until the conference ends at 8 p.m.

Fans have flooded Black Entertainment Television with complaints this week after it was announced that its host would be fired from his highly popular talk show, BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley. Smiley has worked for the network for five years and has announced his relationship with BET will end when his contract expires in September.

The conference, "Developing Leaders in Corporate America," will explore how participants can examine their leadership qualities on three levels: through self, their organizations and society. National and local African American leaders, including UC faculty, will present sessions on how participants can improve their leadership potential as well as enhance their skills to meet the demands of the new century.

The African American Leadership Conference is sponsored by UC's College of Evening and Continuing Education (CECE). Registration begins at 1 p.m. Cost is $179 per person and includes presentations, conference materials, the banquet dinner and keynote address. Organizations that send groups of 10 or more will receive a 10 percent discount.

To register, call the University of Cincinnati Diversity Institute at (513) 556-9170.