More than 900 librarians and exhibitors gathered at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for “Culture Keepers Five: Access,” the fifth national conference of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.
The conference featured keynote addresses by Florida attorney Willie E. Gary, National Urban League Chief Executive Officer and President Hugh B. Price, and U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), as well as numerous authors. Participants attended a session on attracting, growing, and retaining professional librarians; programs on technology issues and the African-American community; and a popular workshop featuring several library directors, including ALA Vice-president/President-elect Carla D. Hayden, on race and library leadership.
A Caribbean-style reception at Broward County Library’s main branch kicked off the conference entertainment, which also included a Caribbean show, dinner dance, and a night of 1930s big-band music.
The Black Caucus is an affiliate of the American Library Association.
Posted August 19, 2002.