Kamesha Moore was bursting with confidence Thursday as Kansas University’s Black Leadership Symposium came to a close.

“African Americans may be the minority, but we can still pursue the same jobs and goals and earn the same money,” the Free State High School senior said. “The only way to do that is to work hard.”

Moore was one of 500 students from 34 high schools who attended the 18th annual symposium, designed to help prepare black students for life after high school.

“Our goal is to prepare them for college,” said Robert Page, director of KU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. “That involves being responsible, being knowledgeable and being motivated.”

The day included speeches from state Rep. Barbara Ballard and KU officials, a banquet lunch and a talent show.

The keynote address was given by Emanuel Cleaver, former mayor of Kansas City, Mo., who recounted the sacrifices made by Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement.

“He did it so you have a chance to be a sophisticated leader — someone who puts an exclamation point behind their name,” Cleaver told the students.

Paul Adams, a social studies teacher at Topeka High School, said it was important for his black students to see role models who look like them.

“Historically, we’ve lagged behind in higher ed participation, and there’s a connection between education and income,” he said. “This lets them know what resources are available to help them reach their goals.”

Shawnee Heights High School seniors, from left, Kati Harris, Aneesha Lee and Joy Bell, all from Topeka, react to a performance with cheers and snapshots at the Black Leadership Symposium. About 500 black high school students converged Thursday on Kansas University for the annual conference, which exposes them to the college experience.