Leadership is the theme for the 2006 UTM Civl Rights Conference being held this week on campus.

The conference will look at the impact of African-American and Native-American leadership in West Tennessee and the overall-impact of the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

“The history of civil rights in West Tennessee isn’t well known because it’s a rural area,” said Dr. Alice-Catherine Carls, conference coordinator. “Students need to know what happened in their own back yards.”

The conference began Monday night with Jesse Rhines, an author and film maker. Rhines hosts and produces “Filmshorts”, a public access television program in Los Angeles. He is the author of “Black Film/White Money” and “Black Utopia Monograph.” Rhines discussed the roles of African-Americans in and behind films, as well as their past and present contributions. Students are encouraged to attend as many events as possible. “Every aspect, every performance is strong,” said Dr. Carls.

There is a trip planned for Saturday to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. The cost of the trip is $10 and Thursday, February 23 is the last day to sign up. Departure will be at 7:30 a.m. from the UCcircle and 4 p.m. is the estimated return time. For more information regarding the trip or to make a reservation, contact Laurinda Lamb at 881-3470 or at lslamb@utm.edu.

Sponsors of the conference include Goodyear, the Obion County Library and the Jackson Sun. For more information about the conference, contact Dr. Alice-Catherine Carls at 881-7472 or at accarls@utm.edu. To see an overview of the conference and a complete schedule visit: www.utm.edu/staff/accarls/civilrights/.

Today 4:30 p.m., American Indian dinner (Skyhawk Cafeteria) 6 p.m., Tanasi Thunder drummers, J.J. Kent, flutist, and “Native Americans and the Civil Rights Movement”

Wednesday, Feb. 22 12:15 p.m., “But I’m Not Prejudiced” (UC 125) 4:30 p.m., African-American Heritage Dinner and Program (Skyhawk Cafeteria) 8 p.m., Bantaba Dance Company of Memphis (Skyhawk Fieldhouse)

Thursday, Feb. 23 10 a.m., “Black Leadership in the 21st Century: The Perils and Prospects of a New Millennium,” Dr. Cynthia Fleming 11 a.m., “Highlander School: The Story and the Legacy,” Guy and Candie Carawan 11:45 a.m., Luncheon (UC 206) 1 p.m., “The Impact of Civil Rights Leaders on West Tennessee 2:30 p.m., “The Douglas Community: A Leader in West Tennessee” 6 p.m., Literary workshop, Harriet Ann Buckley (Obion County Public Library) 7 p.m., Musical program by UTM Collegiate Choir 7:30 p.m., “Use Trouble,” Michael S. Harper, Rhode Island Poet Laureate

Friday, Feb. 24 7 p.m., Crash, film

Saturday, Feb. 25 7:30 a.m., Field trip to National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis 1 p.m., Anansi Does the Impossible (Obion County Public Library)

All events in Watkins unless otherwise noted.