KINGSTON, R.I. -- April 11, 2003 -- The University of Rhode Island’s 14th annual Women of Color Conference will focus on women of color in politics and in the media. The conference, which is open to the public, will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom at URI’s Kingston campus. Admission is free for students. A donation of $5 to $10 is requested from faculty, staff, and community members to cover the cost of dinner.

O. Rogeriee Thompson, Rhode Island Superior Court associate justice will open the conference and Valerie Tutson, host of "Cultural Tapestry" on Cox 3, will conclude it. Both speakers are expected to talk about their struggles and triumphs as women of color in the professional world.

There will also be three breakout sessions, facilitated by R.I. Rep. Melvoid Benson, (D-32), Melba Depina, president, Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund and Maureen Moakley, URI professor of political science.

In addition, the conference will include ethnic art, entertainment, and voter registration conducted by the URI Chapter of the NAACP.

The conference is sponsored by the URI Women’s Center, the Center for Student Leadership and Development, and by the women enrolled in Human Development and Family Studies 298J/Community Service to the University 302 "Rose Butler Browne Leadership and Mentor Program for Women of Color." The purpose of the program is to provide an institutional atmosphere in which women of color feel accepted and included in the academic, social, and cultural life of the University, and therefore, remain at URI and graduate.

For more information about the conference, contact Christine Wilson at
874-5282.