This was the center of activities. This was where lunch was held and more importantly, or course, where the Keynote Speaker and the Plenary Speaker made their presentations.

The atmosphere was kind and relaxed. I met another student (who was far more informed than I was, if I may add) and a nice lady whose name, I am embarrassed to say, have forgotten. I had meant to write it down, because I was sure that I would be cramming a lot of information in my head that day, but I forgot to. 

Caroline Tauxe and Sanicee H. Kromah lingered at the door, greeting  and introducing themselves to one and all. They were kind and friendly. Caroline seems to be the kind of woman that will welcome and take in any willing soul under her wings and into her arms.

Sanicee, with his dark skin and my judging mind, put me in... How should I phrase it? Shock? Not really...

Peace is for all, but him? I wondered what he was doing there. Not in the "why-is-there-a-black-man-here?" way. I'm still working on not judging and not stereotyping people, but my mind is not that insensitive. I was wondering in more of a "This-man-is-black-What-is-his-reason-for-coming-today?" I was wondering things like "What is he going to talk about?", "What is his association/organization?", "Was he born in America or somewhere else? If he's from somewhere else, he might put a different perspective on some of the things we talk about today.", "Is he presenting or just there to listen and discuss?" 

He is definitely an intelligent being. I didn't suspect that he was a student though. He definitely looked young and I would have put him in his mid-20's, but, for whatever reason, it did not occur to me that he would be a student. I think it was the confidence in him. You need that kind of a confidence to be a speaker. I didn't know he was a student until nightfall and I read the synopsis for the film screening!!

Caroline then welcomes us to the conference. She starts off a little weak, but the hesitant speaking lessens and her voice gets strong as she finishes up. She had a strong finish. She then shoos us off to the first sessions.