UNC Asheville will hold the Second Annual State of Black Asheville Forum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union. The forum will explore some of the biggest challenges facing Asheville's African American community, including education, employment, law enforcement and health care. The free event includes lunch provided at no cost. Space is limited and pre-registration is necessary.

The annual conference was created by Dwight Mullen, UNC Asheville political science professor.

"We are looking forward to building on the success of last year's forum," he said. "The State of Black Asheville provides a place to dialogue about the challenges facing the African American community, which very well may become the first steps of positive social change."

Speakers at the Second Annual State of Black Asheville Forum include representatives from local agencies, including Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Asheville City Schools, Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County Department of Social Services, Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, and Mission Health & Hospitals.

In addition, a number of UNC Asheville students and recent graduates will join the panelists to present original research. Student researchers include Ben Cox, David Cox, Aimee Hills, Meredith Morgan, C. Grace Salzer, Jason Tuell, Rachel Williams and Zofia Wleklinski.

For more information or to register, click on www.unca.edu/news/BlackAsheville.html, email mmoore@unca.edu or call 828/251-6634.