The 2008 Convention theme, "30 Years of NBASLH; Acknowledge the Past. Impact the Future," ties into the Akan word from Ghana, Sankofa. You will recognize the symbol of the bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg from its back. Sanko means to go back, Fa to take. The concept implies that in order to make progress, we must build from what is good from the past through the benevolent use of knowledge for the future.

Knowledge, vision and vigilance were the driving forces behind the "The Black Caucus of Five" who convened in Denver in 1977 and the resultant sixty-seven founding members of NBALSH in 1978. The forces that drove them will be the ones that sustain and propel us into the future. NBASLH is firmly rooted now at age thirty. Having successfully negotiated growing pains with clear objectives and a committed membership, we are positioned for greater impact.

The Convention in the DC Metro-Plex at Crystal City,VA will offer the opportunity for participants to meet many of the Founding Members as well as to attend numerous panels and seminars and to have plain ole soulful fun. But equally important, the convention will afford the opportunity for each one’s voice to be heard through the membership and affiliate meetings and access to the Board and other members for that easy intimate 1:1 dialogue that is a hallmark of our Convention. We need your support, presence and voice to assure our Founders that we will indeed continue to build on their foundation.

Other tribes and cultures have adopted the concept of Sankofa. It’s significant that the looking back is done by a group---it’s the "we" looking back versus the "me." Join us in April so that the "we" can acknowledge our past and prepare for our future with our students, peers and the communities we serve.

One final point. Sadly one of our Founders has recently made his transition. Donn Bailey, a dynamic visionary, passed away on December 22, 2007, in Chicago following an illness almost three years to the date of the passing of his wife June who was a presence at our Conventions. We will honor Donn’s memory at the Convention in April.

On behalf of the Association, I invite you to the 2008 NBASLH Convention and encourage all to take full advantage of the many opportunities for scholarship and exchange. It is fitting that we are convening in a location across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. and that our theme is "30 Years of NBASLH: Acknowledge the Past, Impact the Future." Our location and theme are appropriate based on the history of NBASLH. In January of 1978, a group of Blacks in speech, language and hearing met on the historic campus of Howard University and began developing the early stages of what is now the premiere association of Black speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The first official meeting of the Board of Directors was held in April 1978 at the University of the District of Columbia.

The NBASLH Board has worked tirelessly to present clinically relevant, evidenced-based sessions to our faithful body of constituents at this year’s Convention. Michele Norman, Coordinator of the PRAXIS Review Session, has once again organized a phenomenal group of academicians and practitioners for the three-day intense workshop. But the most exciting feature of this year’s Convention will be the presence of past leaders and contributors to NBASLH. The past leaders and pioneers of NBASLH taking part in the Convention include: Gene Wiggins, Orlando Taylor, Harry Seymour, Charlena Seymour, Harold Powell, Ernie Moore, Kay Payne, Sandra Holley, Juanita Sims Dotey, Ida Stockman, Freda Wilson and many more.

NBASLH’s 30th will provide attendees with a wonderful mix of knowledge-building sessions and social opportunities. The Convention will begin with a visit to Capitol Hill sponsored by ASHA. On Thursday evening, our African inspired-Opening Session and Reception will feature Orlando Taylor and a President’s Panel of distinguished guests. Friday will afford members the opportunity to gather at a creative black tie Awards Ceremony and Dessert Reception. We are delighted to have Dr. Harry Seymour and Dr. Charlena Seymour as the evening’s speakers. Finally, on Sunday, the Convention will culminate with a Farewell Brunch.

Attendees to the NBASLH Convention will be afforded the opportunity to obtain continuing education units, reconnect with colleagues from years past, forge new relationships and mentor the young professionals burgeoning within the field. NBASLH, at 30, has it’s pulse on the morning and is poised for more greatness in the future.

Once again, I extend a hearty invitation for you to join us as we Acknowledge the Past, Impact the Future, and celebrate 30 Years of NBASLH!

• Registration fees include Opening Reception and NBASLH Annual Awards Dinner.

• Full payment must accompany the Registration Form.

• Purchase Orders (PO) accepted. All registration forms must accompany PO.

• Receipt for payments will be given at the Convention.

• Membership dues for 2008 must be paid prior to/or along with Convention registration fees to qualify for the member rates.

• Non-Members may join NBASLH prior to Convention to register at the member rate. (See enclosed Membership Application.) Send Membership Application and separate payment with Convention registration.

• All registration forms must be postmarked no later than March 25, 2008, to receive the early registration rate.

• Late registration after March 25, 2008, does not guarantee the inclusion of tickets to meal events.

• A refund less a $25 processing fee will be issued if the NBASLH Office is notified in writing no later than April 5, 2008.

• All persons attending the Convention must pay a registration fee. If you feel you do not fit in one of the registration categories, call 412-366-1177.

NBASLH invites you to participate in the 2^nd Silent Auction benefiting the Student Research Award. We would like you (universities, companies, groups, organizations, individuals) to donate an item to the auction that you feel someone would like to have and would be willing to bid on. Items can include specialty gift baskets, memorabilia from your state or university, art, places to vacation, etc.

Auction items will be displayed daily for bidding, with the bidding closing Saturday morning of the Convention.

You may bring your donation item with you to the Convention. If you are unable to attend the Convention and would like to donate an item, contact Diane Yenerall at the NBASLH Office, 412-366-1177 or nbaslh@nbaslh.org.