DETROIT - In honor of Black History Month, the Office of the Governor and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights will host the 3rd Annual Youth Roundtable discussion on Diversity and Michigan's Future. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Wayne State University in the Community Arts Auditorium located at 450 Reuther Mall off Cass Ave.

The roundtable will feature 50 of Michigan's most outstanding high school and college students who will dialogue with Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm about issues concerning young people in Michigan today. The theme for the event is, "A Black President: What does it mean for the civil rights movement of our past, present and future?"

"The election of an African American president is a major accomplishment for our country," said Kelvin W. Scott, the new Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. "As we celebrate Black History Month and President's Day this week, it's also a good time to assess how much progress has been made in the area of civil rights and what we need to do to continue on the path towards full equality."

Devin Scillian, news anchor for WDIV Channel 4 News, will serve as a guest speaker. Citywide Poets from InsideOut Literary Arts Project and the Wayne State S.Y.N.C.S Choir are scheduled to perform.

The general public is invited to attend.

For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr