The multicultural atmosphere of the ALANA Student Leadership Conference gives many members of the Oswego community to learn and interact from the various programs that are presented. Celebrating its 34th year, the conference was unlike any other as all programs and events were presented in a virtual setting. This years’ theme was United First Nations and started on September 23rd through September 30th.
Day 1 of the conference kicked off with a virtual keynote from Minnijean Brown-Trickey who is one of the Little Rock Nine and is also a Civil Rights Activist. This powerful keynote was in collaboration with the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB).
Day 2 was the ALANA Alumni Leadership Virtual Panel, hosted alongside the Alumni Office Staff. This event had the return of alumni and expressing their experiences post their SUNY Oswego graduation. As well as engaging both current students and faculty alike. Moderators included student presidents from the Latino Student Union, the Caribbean Student Organization, and the African Student Organization.
The Latino Student Union hosted Day 3 with their program called “You Can’t Fight Racism with Racism.” This was an informative program and offered important information.
Day 4 of ALANA included virtual dancing! The Caribbean Student Association and the IMAGE Step Team hosted “Mi Hav Fi Move.” A fun program providing the history of dance in the Black community.
Day 5 was the annual ALANA Peace Walk hosted by the Black Student Union. This year would mark 10 years since the first peace walk took place in 2010. Due Covid-19 the Peace Walk was in a virtual platform with the founders of the first walk as the guest speakers.
Day 6 was the ARTSwego/ALANA Live Virtual Performance by Broadway performer, Mandy Gonzalez. An excellent performance with a pre-recorded duet from Gonzalez and a student from the vocal program. The President of the Asian Student Association was the student host.
Day 7 & the final day of the conference ended with a webinar with Tommy Orange, the author of “There, There.” This book was the ORI for the ALANA conference. People in attendance got the opportunity to ask questions. Tim Nekritz, Professor Mohammadi & LSU President, Jayvana Perez were the hosts.
This conference was definitely one to remember. Those that were involved put in a lot of work to provide the events and programs for the Oswego campus community. Can’t wait to see next year’s conference in Fall 2021.