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Black Issues Forum 2003

"Leadership: Impacting the Present to Shape the Future"

About the Forum

Black Issues Forum is a pre-collegiate leadership program sponsored by the Colorado State University Admissions Office. The purpose of the Forum is to provide students a vehicle to demonstrate their written and oral communication skills and to enhance their leadership potential. Participants have the opportunity to meet and interact with community leaders and University faculty as they discuss and evaluate important issues that affect the Black community at the local, state, national, and/or global level. This program, which began in 1992, focuses on exceptional high school students who have completed their high school junior year. Initially, the program was for students who lived in Colorado, however, the Forum expanded in 1995 to include participants from all over the United States.

Program Highlights

  1. Small peer group discussions of current issues affecting the Black community
  2. Experience in a university library
  3. Training in research methods
  4. Interaction with faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students of Colorado State University
  5. Reside in a University residence hall
  6. Attend special leadership workshops
  7. Participate in social activities such as an Evening of Cultural Expression, informal rap sessions, and a Recognition Luncheon

Contact

For additional information about Black Issues Forum, contact the CSU Office of Admissions at 970-491-6909.

BIF has a significant library research component. BIF participants spend several hours in the University Libraries researching pre-selected (current) topics. Information is disseminated either through presentations, debates, or town meetings.

Current Topics

See the presentation format that participants will follow.

Research Help

Previous Topics

  • 2002
    • Hip Hop Language: "It's all Good" or "Wack"?
    • The Blacker the Berry, the Sweeter the Juice - Is Skin Color Still an Issue in Black America?
    • Where Have All the Brotha's gone? - Is the Black Man's Failure to Graduate from Higher Education
      Institutions an Issue?
    • Black Wealth in America - Myth or Reality?
  • 2001 "Meeting the Challenges of the New Millennium While Keeping the Past Real"
    • Role Models or Role "Playas" -- Who do you Respect?
    • Confederate Flag -- A Source of American Pride or Hatred?
    • Making the Grade, but Failing the Test--How can I go to College if I can't Test out of High School?
    • Black Communities and Law Enforcement--Expectations, Responsibilities and Alliances
  • 2000
    • The Confederate Flag (Debate in South Carolina)
    • Bridging the Digital Divide (Access to Technology)
    • Economic Empowerment
    • Images of the African-American Family Portrayed in the Media: Truth vs. Reality

Helpful Colorado State University Links

  1. Admissions Office
  2. CASAE [Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity]
  3. President's Strategic Plan on Diversity

General Subject Links