Annual conference honors 'Souls of DuBois'

Professors, African-American students, and well-known speakers from across the country gathered this weekend to honor the 25-year history of the W.E.B. DuBois College House. The annual "Souls of DuBois" Conference, which took place Friday and Saturday, focused on "Black Presence and Permanence in the Academy and the Neighborhood." DuBois' Assistant Dean in Residence Sonia Elliott and Faculty Master Howard Stevenson organized and sponsored many of the events, although a large part of the conference was student-organized. Wharton senior Kenna Wyllie said the conference was "an event that commemorates the intellectual, social, and academic ideals of W.E.B. DuBois." Wyllie also noted that the conference was a unique opportunity for students, faculty and alumni to come together to discuss issues relevant to the people of the "African diaspora," a phrase which refers to all black people who can trace their ancestry to Africa. Friday's events began with an opening ceremony including brief speeches by Elliott and Stevenson. The addresses were followed by a series of presentations and discussions, focusing mainly on the African-American community at Penn. College sophomore and United Minorities Council Chairperson Chaz Howard and History Professor Robert Engs spoke about African-American culture. In addition, College junior Malik Wilson spoke about his experience as editor of The Vision, Penn's African-American newspaper. Later on that night, the DuBois "Chocolate Friday" event took place in the dorm. The event consisted of a town meeting and a poetry reading session. On Saturday, among other presentations, English Professor Farah Griffin spoke about the importance of W.E.B. DuBois' writings on women. At the closing ceremony, Stevenson discussed the future of DuBois, as well as the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars program, an initiative for gifted minority students which the dorm also supports. One of the recurring themes of the conference was the history of the college dorm. Built between 1970 and 1972 as a student-initiated project, DuBois' creation followed the turbulent civil rights era of the 1960s. Since then, the program has grown to house 204 residents, who participate in various programs which emphasize African culture and tradition. "[DuBois College House] has existed amongst great controversy," Howard said. "But, to me, the program has been a great learning experience, a great support network and also a family." The conference is the largest event held at DuBois every year, and serves to bring the college year at DuBois to a close. "The conference always brings to light the importance of the house," Howard said. "Students, faculty members and individuals at all levels of our community play a role in it."