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MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu
FAU to Host African American Heritage
Preservation Conference
BOCA RATON, FL (March 15, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University's Center for Urban Redevelopment and Education (CURE) and the Center for the Conservation of Architectural and Cultural Heritage (CCACH) are gearing up for the fifth biennial Florida African American Heritage Preservation Conference this spring. This statewide event, which brings together experts and pioneers in the field of African American heritage preservation, has traditionally been held in Tallahassee, Florida. However, this time, participants will gather in Fort Lauderdale where the conference, in collaboration with the Broward County Library's annual Pan-African BookFest, will culminate in book signings, writer workshops and a reception with authors.
This conference, for which FAU President Frank T. Brogan will serve as honorary chair, provides individuals and organizations involved with African-American heritage preservation throughout the state with information and networking opportunities that allow and equip them to implement programs and reach their cultural and historical program goals and objectives. It finds innovative ways to cultivate and promote the work of the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network and help identify endangered African American heritage sites/properties in the southeast region. Most importantly, the conference sets long-term strategies for saving Florida's African American historic sites and cultural heritage as part of an overall plan to protect and celebrate all of the state's historical and cultural resources.
"The Florida African-American Heritage Preservation Conference is a unique, statewide event that showcases African heritage at its best," said Ralph B. Johnson, professor in FAU's School of Architecture and conference co-chair and director of the CURE and CCACH centers. "From the presenters who are renowned in their field, to the tours of historic sites, to educators of African-American history, this conference addresses issues facing black communities, nonprofit organizations and preservationists throughout the state and the country and provides a wealth of information and strategies for success."
The fifth biennial Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network Conference will take place at the Sheraton Yankee Trader Hotel from April 20-23, 2005. The registration fee for this four-day event is $110 (early registration); $125 (regular registration); and $150 (on-site). There is limited accommodation at the Sheraton Yankee Trader Hotel of $135 per night, so attendees are encouraged to book early by calling 866-352-3224. For more information or to register for the conference, call 866-328-2879 or visit www.cure.fau.edu/calendar.htm#preserveconference.
Both CURE and CCACH are applied research centers housed within FAU's College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs. For media questions related to CURE, CCACH or the conference, call Johnson at 954-762-5050.
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