Wayne State University is sponsoring an international symposium April 29 on the future of African and African American relationships. Themed, "To know the fruit, one must examine its roots," the event dubbed "International Roots Symposium," is expected to be a learning experience for students and the community. "I think it is essential because of what Gambia represents to most of us who read Alex Haley's Roots," said Howard Starks, an Africana Studies instructor at Wayne State. "We need a point of origin because most of our people cannot tell what specific countries they were brought from to this place." The symposium, which will be held at the Student Center Buidling ballroom from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., will feature several panel discussions exploring cultural, political and economic ties with Africa. Some of the expected speakers at the event include Detroit city councilwoman JoAnn Watson, Wayne County Commission chairwoman Jewel Ware, Congressman John Conyers, Jr., and educator Malik Yakini, among others.