“The Mis-Education of the Negro” is the theme for this year’s Ebony Weekend hosted by UW-Platteville’s Black Student Union. The event runs from Feb. 15-17 in Ullsvik Hall, and is designed to bridge the gap between generations by celebrating multiple generations in the black community and educating each guest.

Three distinguished speakers, eight breakout speakers, food, live entertainment and the 38th annual Ebony Ball are all encompassed within the weekend long event.

The weekend begins Friday with check-in at the finance fair. Edward Jones Associates will be helping people with investment and business related question and giving free credit score reports.

Friday evening, distinguished speaker, Sen. Lena Taylor will be speaking, with voting registrations following directly after her speech.

Saturday’s distinguished speaker will be Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee and Sunday’s distinguished speaker will be Milwaukee’s Chairmen of National Black United Front, Oshiyemi Adelabu.

Saturday will have all four breakout sessions; guests can choose from eight speakers for each session. Breakout sessions are speakers educating guests on issues facing the black community. Session topics include, “Campaign Against Violence,” “The Mis-Education of the Negro” and “What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You.” Entertainment on Friday includes a poetry show and a Back to the Roots party. Saturday’s entertainment includes comedian Corey Holcomb, The Ebony Ball and a best dressed competition during the ball.

Anyone can attend Ebony Weekend and people as far as California and Texas are planning to attend.

The weekend is the brain child of Carl Wesley, the adviser of BSU, and is hosted to help inform people about issues of public health, education, violence, financial, and social concerns facing the black community across the country. BSU wants to educate people about the issues they face and create a better future through education and understanding.

“You go to college to learn about other cultures and communities and enhance your life; Ebony Weekend helps you get that experience,” Carl Wesley said.

The weekend allows viewpoints of different generations, political and social, to be discussed.

“Parents are welcome to come to the weekend to promote understanding between generations, especially with the upcoming election,” said Wesley.

“Ebony Weekend is nice, fun, and informative and a lot bigger than expected,” Shakari Tayborn, a sophomore psychology major said. “All the speakers are phenomenal, they connect with people on a personel level and educate about issues not taught in schools and expand ones that are.”

To attend Ebony Weekend, it costs $150 for on-site registration and the money is only used as cost recovery for the BSU. Any further questions regarding Ebony Weekend can be answered by going to ebonyweekend.com or contacting Zakiya Catlin, President of the BSU at 608-318-0140.