January 27-February 2, 2005

mixpicks

Black Thought

discussion

When Sen. Barack Obama stepped into the limelight this past election year, Americans everywhere, especially blacks, cheered on the Illinois Democrat. Though he is labeled as the hope of the future, there's lots to discuss concerning the state of being black in America. Enter Forum USA Delaware, a nonprofit that brings experts and the public together to discuss current political and social issues. For its second discussion series, the group is assembling a panel of notables to explore the joys and pains of living as a minority. Hosted by the Quintin E. Primo Jr. Fund for Racial Justice, the panelists include NAACP chairman Julian Bond, professor and author Anita Hill (notorious from the Clarence Thomas scandal), former NFL star and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, and www.blackplanet.com founder Omar Wasow. Panelists will bring their stories to the table and talk about the skills that enabled them to be positive leaders. After the discussion, audience members will be invited to ask questions. Marsha Borin, director of Forum USA, has organized this event over two years and hopes it will make a difference. "We want this to be open dialogue and want people to walk away inspired to make a change for themselves and their community."

Being Black in America, Fri., Jan. 28, 8 p.m., $45-$65, moderated by Juan Williams, DuPont Theatre, Hotel DuPont, Wilmington, Del., 800-338-0881, www.forumusadelaware.org.

—Deesha Dyer