Empowerment Experiment Founder Maggie Anderson to Speak at Black History Month Program

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Austin, TX – Austin Black Newcomers Association (ABNA) will celebrate Black History Month with a free program featuring a keynote speech by Margarita “Maggie” Anderson, co-founder of the Illinois-based Empowerment Experiment (EE). The event’s theme is Still Dreaming: Sustaining The Black Community Through Service and Activism. The venue is the Lady Bird Auditorium at the LBJ Museum and Library on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at 1:00 pm. Austin City Council Member Sheryl Coles is also scheduled to speak.

About The Economic Empowerment Experiment
In 2009, the Anderson family conducted a historic self help economics experiment by living off Black business and buying only Black-made products for one year. National media covered their journey. Their receipts and records were given to Northwestern University. A team at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management completed a study which highlights the positive impact EE had on businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in struggling neighborhoods. The Andersons started a national movement that is inspiring consumers around the country to support Black businesses and talent.

ABNA President and Founder, Dr. Monica Anderson (no relation), says, “The mission of our organization is to motivate Austin’s new residents to become actively engaged in this vibrant and historic city that welcomes people of all ethnicities. This event is designed to acquaint everyone with our community service initiative and inspire them to get involved because one person or one family can make a difference.”

The title sponsor for this event is The University of Texas at Austin’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Maggie Anderson will also give an on-campus lecture to UT students during her tour visit to Austin at the invitation of Professor Juliet Walker. Other major sponsors are IBM and the National Black MBA Austin Chapter.

The event is free but attendees must register for a ticket online at  http://abnaee-esli.eventbrite.com.

About Austin Black Newcomer’s Association
The Austin Black Newcomers Association (ABNA) aims to foster community engagement by providing culturally sensitive programs and a network of supportive relationships for emerging leaders. We also offer a web directory of local organizations to enhance new residents’ personal and professional lives. For more information, please visit our website http://austinsblacknewcomers.org.

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The Austin Black Newcomers Association aims to foster community engagement by providing culturally sensitive programs & a network of supportive relationships for emerging leaders. We also offer a web directory of local organizations.