Editors: More information on the BSA Big 12 Conference and a schedule of events is available at .
The Black Student Alliance at the University of Colorado at Boulder will host the 28th annual Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government Feb. 17-19.
More than 1,000 students, faculty and staff from around the nation are expected to attend.
"Focusing on improving and mobilizing black student leadership, this year's conference seeks to give students the tools necessary for proactive change in their communities," said Ageno Otii, conference co-chair. "What students will experience is a 'revolution' of mind, body and soul, as well as a revolution of thought and words into action."
The public is invited to attend a gospel extravaganza at the Flatirons Theater Feb. 18 at 7:15 p.m. The event is free but tickets are required and can be picked up that afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at University Memorial Center room 245.
CU-Boulder students who are non-conference participants can purchase tickets to two events on Feb. 19, a 9 p.m. Greek step show at Boulder High School and an 11 p.m. conference party at the UMC Ballroom. Tickets cost $10 for each event and will be sold Feb. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UMC 245. Â鶹ÒùÔº must have a valid college ID and tickets are limited to one per person. No tickets will be sold at the door.
The purpose of the conference is to foster leadership that promotes effective cultural, social and political change through networking, motivational speakers, educational workshops and career opportunities. The theme for this year's conference is "Realize Education is Vital to Overcome Limitations So U Take Initiative and Organize Now" or R.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.
The conference was established in 1977 when African-American students from universities in the Big 8 conference organized a forum to address problems, concerns and ideas of African-American students attending predominately white colleges and universities.
Otii said CU-Boulder students believe that having such a large number of African-American students on campus will impact the city and surrounding communities and hope that conference participants will find a welcoming environment in the Boulder-Denver metro area. Faculty, staff and students from the Boulder campus are volunteering to help with event registration, information distribution and other tasks.
For more information contact Otii at (303) 492-3237 or Debbie Cook, Office of Conference Services, (303) 492-5151, or visit the Web site at .