International Scholars to Hold Africana Studies Conference on Globalization and Entrepreneurship, Keynote Speakers include Nigerian King

Oba (King) Michael Aremu Gbadebo of Nigeria

Scholars from around the world, including a Nigerian king and entrepreneur, will gather at IUPUI to address globalization and economic development in Indiana, the United States and other countries.

The first Public Scholars in Africana Studies International Conference will take place Oct. 29-31, 2009, at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel, 850 W. Michigan St., located on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. The theme is “Rethinking Economic Development in the Context of Globalization: Entrepreneurship, the Knowledge Economy, and Sustainable Development.”

Conference events open to the general public begin Oct. 30, 2009, and include a book fair, along with workshops and keynote lectures on the effects of globalization on economies around the world. Presentations also will offer solutions on how to rejuvenate the economies of America and other countries.

“We are now in the midst of an economic recession in which many Americans have lost their jobs and others continue to lose their jobs every day,” said conference organizer and IUPUI faculty member Bessie House-Soremekun. “Now is the appropriate time to assemble some of the best and brightest minds in the world to discuss these critical issues and offer solutions to be used to create more jobs and wealth in the world today.”

Specific topics for discussion include:

• How to Succeed in Business in the 21st Century Knowledge Economy
• International Business Opportunities in the Changing Global Economy
• The Impact of Globalization on Africa and the African Diaspora

Keynote speakers include His Royal Majesty Oba (King) Michael Aremu Gbadebo, the Okukenu IV and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland in Nigeria. Gbadebo, an accomplished entrepreneur, will speak on “The Changing Role of Nigeria in the 21st Century Knowledge Economy.”

Egbaland, located in southwestern Nigeria, has a population of about 1.5 million.

“Oba (King) Gbadebo has by dint of hard work, achieved notable success in the highly competitive world of the private sector, which has strengthened his background for the exalted royal position of the Alake, Paramount Ruler of Egbaland,” House said. “During his successful foray for two decades into the private sector, he has promoted and established interest in five corporate organizations.”

Other keynote speakers include Dr. Keenan Grenell, vice president and dean of diversity and associate professor of Africana and Latin American studies at Colgate University; Dr. Toyin Falola, Frances Higginbotham Nalle Centennial Professor in History and a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin; and Chief Jimmy Gboyega Delano, president and CEO of Ilora L’Original Beauty Concepts, Inc., which has headquarters in Chicago, Ill., and offices in many countries of the world.

Registration for the two days of public events is $150 per person, and covers panel attendance, the plenary session and the keynote luncheon on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009. Registration is $100 for one day of attendance. IUPUI students and Indianapolis high school students can attend for $25 plus the cost of the meals. Tickets for an awards dinner scheduled for Sat., Oct. 31, 2009, are $50 each.

IUPUI conference sponsors include the 40th Anniversary Celebration Committee; the School of Liberal Arts; the Office of the Assistant Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research; the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Lifelong Learning; the Committee on African and African American Studies; the Office of the Vice Chancellor for International Affairs; the African American and African Diaspora Studies Program; and the Olaniyan Scholars.

For additional information, go to: http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/index.php/signature/C116 .
 

Posted Sept. 11, 2009

Updated: Oct. 21, 2009