Black History Month at SUSLA is set to be a month full of events that features thoughtful debate, pride in past African-American culture, enhancing the lives of children of all ages and speeches from some of today's most engaging and well known speakers. 

55^th Annual Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Conference

Date: Thursday, March 4^th

Time: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Location: SUSLA Gymnasium    

Over 800 high school students from across Louisiana will attend this conference to receive business training, mentorship and motivation from various guest speakers. 

Annual National Give Kids a Smile Day

Date:  Friday, February 5^th

Time:  8:30am - 12:30pm

Location:  SUSLA Metro Campus, 610 Texas St

February is the American Dental Associations' annual celebration of National Give Kids a Smile Day and SUSLA's Dental Hygiene Program students will provide dental exams, x-rays, and sealants for children from selected Caddo Parish Schools.  The event is offered in conjunction with The Louisiana Dental Association, Dr. Brian Basinger, Shreveport Patterson Dental Supply and Henry Schein Dental Supply. The SUSLA, "Tooth Fairy," will also be on hand to help entertain children during this event

Spring Convocation Guest Speaker - Judge Glenda A. Hatchett

Date:  Wednesday, February 10^th

Time: 10:00am

Location: Health and Physical Education Complex (Gymnasium)

She's strong, savvy and resolute. She's intuitive, concerned and compassionate. She's a realist, an innovator and a leader. She's Judge Glenda A. Hatchett, and she knows the difference between achieving success and making a difference.                                      

A visionary who knows how to get results, Judge Hatchett is renowned in the legal community for her groundbreaking courtroom style. Best known for her revolutionary "interventions," she is widely respected for her work with today's youth, which not only sets her apart from other judges, but also establishes her as a leader in the justice system nationwide.                      

Judge Hatchett is also the author of the national bestseller, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say (Harper Collins, 2003), based on her extensive professional experiences as a jurist and her own personal experience as a mother of two boys.                                          .
The Judge also serves as national spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a non-profit volunteer organization that trains volunteers to represent abused and neglected children and help them navigate the court system.                              .
In May 2005, Judge Hatchett received a special honor at the Mayor of New York City's residence, Gracie Mansion. Katherine Oliver, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, presented Judge Hatchett with the Mayor's "Made In NY" award for her contribution to New York City's daytime television community.

The Michael Baisden Live National Tour "Save Our Kids"

Date: Friday, February 19^th

Time: 6:00pm

Location: In front of the Health and Physical Education Complex (Gymnasium)

When it comes to entertaining, enlightening and educating, no one in talk radio compares to Michael Baisden. His high-octane energy and love for interacting with his listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of The Michael Baisden Show. The Bad Boy ignites heated discussions with explosive episodic themes like: Living Your Dream, Your Body Is Your Temple, and Pimps In The Pulpit.

His radio career began in 2003 when 98.7 KISS FM in New York City offered him a position as the afternoon drive-time host. Because of budget constraints the station was unable to offer him a salary. Michael's response was, "Just give me the damned mic!" And sure enough, within six months, their afternoon drive ratings went from number 9 to number 1.

After eight months of consistent high ratings, Michael suggested taking his show national but management was apprehensive, suggesting that New York wasn't ready. A few months later, Michael threatened to quit if management did not pursue a syndication deal. "There was no doubt in my mind that I could have one of the hottest shows on radio! I knew the impact it would have on people all across the country and I wasn't taking no, for an answer," Michael rebutted.

His vibrant personality on and off the air has made him a people magnet. He began attracting attention with primarily female followers as author and publisher of the highly successful provocative books: "Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat", "Men Cry in the Dark", "The Maintenance Man", and lastly "God's Gift to Women". Two of his titles ultimately were adapted into stage plays.

Annual SUSLA "Friendly" Black History Debate

Date: Wednesday, February 24^th

Time: 11:00am

Location: Jesse Stone Science Lecture Hall

Each year Southern University at Shreveport, Student Support Services (SSS) sponsors this "Friendly" debate during the Black History Month Celebration, to offer a provocative, informative, inspired recognition of Black History. This year's debate topic is sure to stimulate the minds of everyone in the community.

These debates started in 2001 with topics such as, "Martin vs. Malcolm: Whose methods were more effective in influencing the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960's?" and "Is it time to end so-called Affirmative Action?"

This highly anticipated event includes the participation of community leaders, state and local politicians, faculty, staff and students. Last year's panel included Theron Jackson, Joe Shyne, Lloyd Thompson, Calvin Lester, Willie Bradford, Loretta Speed, Stanley Blackshire, Larry English, Jennifer Green, Rodney McFarland (SUSLA student), Frederick Jackson, Rodney Demery, Dr. Melva Turner, Clifford Collins, Craig Lee, Roosevelt "Pastor Ro" Wright, Wesley Adams, Terrance T. Bagley (SUSLA student), Dr. Mary Jackson and Major Brock.

The Annual Black History Debate sponsored by SSS, a department in the Division of Academic Affairs, is a Federal Funded Program.