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 Conference Speakers
 

Kwame Salter joined Kraft-Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation in 1986 and is currently Vice President, Human Resources, Sales and Customer Service.  Prior to his career with Kraft Foods, Kwame served as Executive Director, Dane County Parent Council, Inc. from 1976 to 1986.  Kwame received the “Outstanding Recent Alumni” award from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he graduated magna cum laude.  He received his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison, where he was awarded a Ford Fellowship for post-graduate studies in Educational Policy Research.  Kwame has served on the Board of Trustees of Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI, and the Board of Visitors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Business.  In addition, he has served as a national consultant for clients, ranging from public school systems and corporations to small municipalities.  He also conducted workshops on management, supervisory skills, and career development for numerous organizations across the country.

Paul T. Spraggins Jr. has been working with educational opportunity programs since 1973.  From 1973 to 1982, he served as administrator for the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board.  Since 1982, Mr. Spraggins has been serving in his current position as Director of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Educational Opportunity Programs and Office of Urban Education.  Mr. Spraggins received his B.S. degree from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA and also attended Tufts University in Medford, MA.  He has been a visiting lecturer at several colleges in Wisconsin as well as California and Kansas.  Mr. Spraggins has continued in his efforts for young people for 30 years at the federal, state, and local level.  Mr. Spraggins has received more than 60 awards and certificates for his contributions in educational opportunity and civil rights.

Grover Edwin (Manty) Ellis, one of the best jazz guitar players in the country, has over thirty years of both piano and guitar experience.  Over the years, Manty has played with several bands, and notable individuals.  Among them Oscar Brown, Jr., Sonny Stitt, Stanley Turrentine, Big Black, King Pleasure, and Buddy Montgomery, Duke Ellington, Richard Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Dizzie Gillepsie, Nancy Wilson, Ruth Brown, and Penny Goodwin.  He has played on the national level in such places as the Baron in New York City, Newark for the Key Club, Zambezee in Washington D.C., the Club Mozambique in Detroit, the Scene, Jacks & Jazz Workshop in San Francisco, and the University of California-Berkeley Community Theatre in addition to many others.

Carl A. Cole has been an inspiration to the art community for many years in Rockford, IL.  He has served as a songwriter, producer, and featured artist for events, organizations, and universities.  He has had the pleasure of serving as the artistic and music director for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Gospel Choir. He has been a frequent participant at the AHANA Student Leadership Conference in the state of Wisconsin.  Mr. Cole’s talent has enabled him to perform jazz, blues, classical tunes, as well as his favorite gospel renditions.  His soulful personality has enabled him to earn the respect and appreciation of pre-college students, college students, and adults.  Mr. Cole on occasion has had the privilege of appearing with his talented wife, Dianna.  The response to his appearance at the Fourth Annual National Black Student Union earned him an invitation to the Fifth Annual National Black Student Union Conference.

Valerie Rose, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has lived and worked in the Twin Cities Minneapolis- St. Paul for more than fourteen years.  Her debut novel, Cappuccino in the Winter is a romantic, suspense set in the Twin Cities. It was chosen by Michigan newcomer, Avid Press, to launch their Kismet imprint.  A recommended new title in Black Issues Book Review, Cappuccino, although released in December 1999, is still doing well, selling out at the 2001 Romance Slam Jam held in Orlando, Florida.  A University of Wisconsin graduate, Valerie is also the owner of Roses Are READ Productions, which has produced a range of literary art that has appeared in many local and national venues.  Some of her writing credits include publications in: The View  (from the Loft); Futures Magazine; Jive Magazine; The Black Author Data Processing Journal; The St. Paul Recorder; The Minneapolis Spokesman.  Valerie has written the following books:  Cappuccino in the Winter; The Family Reunion is not a Real Vacation; You Better Recognize! A Spiritual Guide—Because Life’s a “Trip”.