UNCG’s annual conference on the African-American experience will focus on health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS in the black community.

The 16th annual Conference on African-American Culture and Experience (CACE) will be Feb. 23-24 and will feature presentations, scholars and professionals from southern colleges, health screenings and theatrical performances. CACE will be held at Elliott University Center and the School of Music Auditorium.

•7 p.m.-9p.m Feb. 23. Special theatrical performance by students from NC A&T. Town hall meeting on HIV/AIDS and the African-American community including panelists such as North Carolina Representative Alma Adams, Thelma Wright of the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, faculty members of UNCG’s Department of Public Health Education and Bernard Davis of the Department of Health and Human Services HIV& AIDS Field Services Division.

•8 a.m. -8:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Panel sessions, including such topics as “The Black Church as an Extension of the Black Family,” “Health Disparity Updates: Obesity, Diet and Exercise” and “Youth Empowering African American Health (YEAH).” UNCG Black Alumni Reception at 5 p.m. in the School of Music Auditorium. Keynote address by Dr. Jean Bonhomme 7 p.m. in the School of Music Auditorium.

Bonhomme is president of the National Black Men’s Health Network Inc. and a faculty member at the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University. Highly recognized for his work in public health, he received the Call to Manhood Recognition Merit Award for Outstanding Service in 2000 and the People Helping People Humanitarian Award from the Institute for the Christian World in 1991.

Registration is free for students, $25 for general admission and $20 for presenters or employees of educational institutions. Conference registration does not include lunch. For further information, call (336) 334-3889 or click here.

CACE is an annual event sponsored by the UNCG African American Studies Program and other organizations on campus. The purpose of CACE is to uphold a better knowledge of the experiences of African Americans.