Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists

(Founded in 1935 as the Association of Social Science Teachers)

Welcome Members and Participants 

While moving closer to the 21st century, it could be argued that the world is not much different now from what it was sixty-one years ago when the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, Inc. was founded at Johnson C. Smith College.  As president of this illustrious organization, it is an honor and a profound privilege to welcome each of you to our Sixty-First Annual Conference.

As the hearts of Pharaohs are hardened, it becomes the task of the affected people to not only cry out in disbelief, but to unite as a single entity and create a mechanism to combat the societal ills that are aimed at destroying individuals and groups.  While digesting works similar to Murray Hernstein's The Bell Curve, D'Souza's The End of Racism, and efforts by states and institutions that opt to pay homage to 'Heritage Day' and the confederacy on the third Monday in January, instead of the person for whom the day was established, organizations, such as ours and our allies, must continue in their efforts to ensure that conclusions from these works and efforts do not become the sounding board from which public policy is launched.

Added to these growing concerns are the political upheavals stemming from federal budget restraints.  Aimed at balancing the budget, these restraints could come at the expense of those who are already living in a world of affluence and facing a world of benign negligence.  Such are the worlds of the elderly, young, minorities, and economic disadvantaged.

The theme for this year's conference, "Relevant Agenda:  2000 Solutions for African Americans" is very fitting.  As the curtains are closing on the 20th century, we must do our part to ensure that the problems of this century are not the dominating forces of the 21st century.

With commendation, Dr. Michael Williams, program chair and president-elect, Dr. Alton Thompson and Professor Marguerite R. Howie, past president and executive secretary emeritus, respectively, have gone far beyond the normal call of duty to ensure that our sojourn in Greensboro, North Carolina, will add yet another branch to the tree of life of the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, Inc.  The tradition of the Association is to continue with optimism.

James E. Jordan

President ASBS - 1995-96

Hinds Community College

Utica Campus

Utica, Mississippi