Amandla! presents Unity conference, dinner and dance

Amandla!, the African American student organization at Bates College, presents Unity Conference 2005, on Saturday, March 5. A series of events that includes a dinner and dance, the third annual conference features a gathering from 2:30 to 5 p.m. titled “Critical Issues Facing the Black Community: Identifying the Issues, Examining the Causes and Charting a Way Forward,” in Perry Atrium, Pettengill Hall.

The afternoon gathering will focus on topics such as segregation in education, the criminal justice system, and HIV/AIDS and other health-related issues. Registration for the event begins at 2 p.m. in Pettengill Hall. The conference is free and open to the public.

The dinner, to be held at 6 p.m. in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives, Campus Avenue, will feature soul food and some Somali dishes. The dinner’s keynote address will be given by economist Maya Michelle Rockeymore, vice president of research and programs for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and an expert on Social Security. Dinner is free and open to the public. Reservations should be made in advance.

The conference concludes with a well-known Bates dance, Triad, whose 2005 theme is “Kings and Queens of the Dancehall.” The dance, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Chase Hall, features hip hop, R&B, dancehall, soca, alternative, techno, salsa and reggae. Food will be served. The dance is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased in advance for $3 or for $5 at the door.