AIDS in Africa; the Internet and African politics; poll taxes, voting and African Americans; African and African-American women.

These issues and other important issues will be explored at the Africana Research Center's first annual Undergraduate Research Symposium which will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. tomorrow in 101 Thomas.

"I thought that this would be a good addition for undergraduate students," Judi Wakhungu, the symposium's faculty advisor, said.

Students who have studied a variety of disciplines -- which can be anything from women's studies to labor and industrial relations to African and African-American studies -- will be given the opportunity to present their research to a group of their peers at the symposium.

"Undergraduate students don't really get the opportunity to participate in a professional conference," Wakhungu said.

Aside from the undergraduate research exhibition run by the Schreyer Honors College every year, few students who are in disciplines outside of the science fields get the opportunity to display their work while at the undergraduate level, she said.

"It's never too early to start," she said.

Some of the students were nervous about presenting their research, but Wakhungu said she encouraged them to do it.

"The first several students are very brave," she said.

Chris Chambers (junior-finance and international business) will present his research on the empowerment of blacks and the development of community institutions.

He said he worked on it for an independent study course, but he has been exploring the issue for some time.

"It's something I've been researching since I came to the university," Chambers said.

He will talk about investing in black businesses, supporting black store owners and understanding the culture.

Chambers said the issues he will discuss are important to the black community.

"It's a need that needs to be filled," he said.

He said he wants to emphasize the power an individual has within the context of a group.

"The power that you have can make change with others," he said.

Michelle Way, Africana Center staff assistant, said she helped organize this year's event with the plan that it will set the precedent for future symposiums.

"I hope people come away with an appreciation for the history and cultural differences," Way said.