As the ethnic makeup of Houston changes, advanced education is critical to the success of the city's black community, sociologist Stephen Klineberg told a gathering of black leaders at Rice. Klineberg, a Rice professor of sociology, conducts the annual Houston Area Survey, which systematically explores how area residents respond to trends. He also directs the biennial statewide Texas Environmental Survey and surveys Harris county's ethnic communities. The key to escaping poverty is education, Klineberg said.
Education is critical.
The Executive Education program of the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management along with the National Black MBA Association and the Association of Rice University Black Alumni presented the leadership conference on May 21 in the Grand Hall of the Rice Memorial Center. The conference was designed to bring together the intellectual wealth of the black community in the Houston area and to create a dialogue around key issues facing black professionals. Speakers at the conference included industry and community leaders, Rice faculty and entrepreneurs. Topics discussed included entrepreneurship, principles and success, lessons in leadership, negotiating strategies and electronic commerce. Houston is a model for the rest of the country.