In celebration of African-American History Month, the City of Troy and Troy University are holding the annual Leadership Conference with appearance of acclaimed speakers.

The theme for this year’s conference is “A Century of Achievement: A Salute to African-American History and Culture.” This is an opportunity for leaders from southeastern Alabama come together and enhance leadership skills, civic involvement and entrepreneurship.

“The theme … is in conjunction with the national theme for Black History Month,” said Sheila Jackson, the event coordinator. “Aat this event we will highlight the accomplishments of African American by presenting keynote speakers who have excelled in their field and have a distinct story to tell about their road to success.”

This year conference keynote speaker is the award-winning actor and bestselling author Hill Harper. His New York Times best seller, “Letters to a Young Brother,” was the winner of two awards by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

According to Barbara Patterson, the event coordinator from Troy University, the conference also welcomes six other distinguished speakers including Rear Admiral Fernandez Ponds and Sheyann Webb-Christburg, a civil rights activist who participated in the 1965 march in Selma when she was 8 years old.

“We are very excited about our speakers this year,” Patterson said. “This is an outstanding community event and a wonderful partnership between city of Troy and Troy University, providing a leadership conference for students and community members”

The 2015 Leadership Conference will be held on Feb. 6 and 7. The event starts at 6 p.m. on Friday at Sartain Hall with the opening remarks and keynote address. Plenary sessions with speakers will be held Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Trojan Center.

According to Jackson, the conference speakers who have faced many obstacles will use their experience to “inspire and motivate others to grow in their own areas, to make our cities and communities better places to live and work.”

Patterson said this is also a beneficial event for participating students.

“It will help expose them to outstanding leaders in different areas,” she said. “And that exposure is important for them to learn what it takes to be a leader in their community and be a successful student.”

Last year, the conference welcomed we approximately 350 students and community members, according to Patterson. The organizers have received around 200 registrations so far. They are also calling for corporations, businesses and individuals to sponsor the event.

The cost of registration is $30 for adults and $15 for students until Jan. 30, when a $10 late registration fee applies.

For registration and sponsor information, contact Barbara Patterson at 670-3204 or Sheila Jackson at 670-2283.