The Showcase of Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) returns for a sixth year in October with a message for teachers, parents, the public school system and students: “Community, Let’s Get Tough.”

The 2011 theme for the annual event strives to hold all individuals accountable for their unique roles in the education of youth, particularly minority youth.

The main event, an expo featuring historically black colleges and universities from throughout the country, will be held in Louisville on Oct. 14. The expo is for students in grades 8-12 and their chaperones. The public is invited the event’s Oct. 11 Achievement Gap Series, which will feature Pedro Noguera, a professor of teaching and learning at New York University and author of The Trouble with Black Boys: And Other Reflections on Race, Equity and the Future of Public Education, among several other titles. Noguera will speak to a small group at the event’s keynote luncheon and strategy session in Louisville and to a larger group at the Parent Engagement Program in Central High School’s auditorium.

All events are free but may require tickets or may have limited seating. Visit www.showcasehbcu.com/ for more details or contact Kenya McGruder at (202) 271-4750.