Micheal Baisden
For Michael Baisden, success did not come easy for this 35-year-old Chicago native. In 1993 he was driving trains for the Chicago Transit Authority and struggling to keep a small business from going under. In 1995 He released his first book, Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat, a controversial book of short stories about unfaithful men and the women who support their irresponsible behavior. Michael is currently working on his new book, which is scheduled for release in summer of 2001. Brother Baisden will be the feature guest for our THURSDAY EVENING PROGRAM.

Troy Knauls
 Troy Knauls is a 1992 graduate of Oklahoma State University where he served as president of the Afro-American Student Association for three years. Mr. Knauls also served as Big 8 Conference Chair in 1992, hosted at OSU. He is an educator, motivator, and musician. He recently opened for Gladys Knight.  Brother Knauls will give the FRIDAY LUNCHEON keynote address.

Frances CressmWelsing
Frances Cress Welsing is a black psychiatrist and noted author of The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors (1990 Third World Press).  Since 1967, Dr. Welsing has been in the private practice of Psychiatry in the District of Columbia. Dr. Welsing has lectured on the topic racism (white supremacy) and Black mental health at many colleges and universities throughout the United States, and London, England. She is the recipient of many awards for her contributions in the field of mental health and service to black people. Dr. Welsing will give the FRIDAY DINNER keynote address.

Ashra Kwesi
Ashra Kwesi is a lecturer on African history, civilization, religion and culture. He presents lively and dynamic slide presentation lectures and  videotapes based on his extensive study and travel on the African continent. His startling and revealing information on the African origins of many of the concepts and symbols now utilized by the western world is due to their focus on the ancient African Nile Valley. Brother Kwesi will give the SATURDAY LUNCHEON keynote address.

Micheal Eric Dyson
Michael Eric Dyson, professor of communication at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and director of the Institute for African-American Studies, is the author of Making Malcolm: the Myth and Meaning of Malcolm X, Reflecting Black, and numerous on race, identity, rap music, and popular culture.  Brother Dyson will give the SATUDAY DINNER keynote address.