“Rebirth of Black Consciousness” is the theme for the 11th annual African American Leadership Conference, which runs today through Friday.

Russell Hanes, coordinator for the event, said the conference will feature education, entertainment and “edutainment.” Hanes said edutainment is education communicated through entertainment.

Hanes said the theme name is a combination of the lack of black consciousness of young black students and the lack of consciousness in black music.

Today there will be a hip-hop symposium. Hanes said the entertainment portion will feature original poetry, a deejay, break dancing and hip-hop. The edutainment portion of this event will be a panel discussion called “Racism in Hip-hop.” Hanes said the event will be a dialogue about hip-hop and its relation to black culture. It will address the negativity associated with hip-hop.

Thursday, business owner Ivy McGregor will hold a discussion called “Black Empowerment” in the day, and Claude Anderson will speak about “Black Economics” in the evening. Hanes said lack of economic education is stifling the black community.

Friday, Arthur Andrews will address high school students at the “Teen Summit” event. Hanes said he will teach students how to keep their identity while succeeding in society. Monique Greenwood, author of “Having What Matters” will speak about materialism and idealism. Hanes said she also will speak about realizing self-worth and giving back to the black community.

Hanes said he would encourage students to attend all of the conference events.

“This is an excellent event that will expose not only black students, but all students, to black professional leadership that is outside of sports and entertainment,” he said.