LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Spalding University was the first college in Louisville to accept black students. To celebrate Black History Month, they have a very special event planned.

Spalding is hosting the 6th annual Elmer Lucille Allen Conference on Feb. 21 and 22 at the Egan Leadership Lectorium located on Spalding's campus.

Elmer Allen and Dr. Deonte Hollowell visited WDRB Mornings on Thursday to talk about the conference and Allen's legacy to the college.

At 93 years young, Elmer Allen was one of the first black student to attend and graduate from Spalding University. She graduated in 1953.

She later became the first African American chemist at Brown Forman.

The theme for this year's conference is "Protecting Black History" and is full of opportunities for community members and students.

Now in Allen's free time, she has became a ceramic artist. An art exhibit will be on display at the conference in her honor. The exhibit will be located in Huff Gallery on Spalding's campus

The conference is also virtual for people who cannot attend in person, and it is free to the public.

For more information as well as a detailed schedule, click here.

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