The Southern University Motivational Speakers Series willbegin its spring season with actress Lynn Whitfield as keynote speaker.Whitfield is also the first speaker of the Association for Women Students Week.The theme for the week is “Women Empowering Women.”
“We, along with AWS, chose Ms. Whitfield as our firstspeaker because we feel that she embodies what a strong, black woman issupposed to be,” said Edna Hickman, motivational speakers committeechairperson.
AWS office manager Nerri Denagall shares similar sentiments.
“I think she (Whitfield) is a very good role model as astrong black woman.”
Whifield is a native of Baton Rouge and a former student ofSouthern University. After graduating from Howard University, she appeared inseveral Off Broadway productions. Her television appearances include “BostonPublic,” Matlock,” and “Martin.” Whitfield’s films include “A Thin Line BetweenLove and Hate” and “Eve’s Bayou.” Her breakthrough film role was her Emmyaward-winning portrayal of famed entertainer Josephine Baker in the 1991 HBOcable movie, “The Josephine Baker Story.”
Whitfield will address SU students, faculty and staffThursday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-BrownMemorial Union. During this time, Margaret Ambrose, executive associate to SUChancellor Edward Jackson, will present a proclamation declaring the first weekin February as “Women’s Week.”
“We hope that she will inspire the students to be all theycan be and to encourage them to work hard and set goals that can become areality,” Hickman said. “She is the opening speaker for Black History Month,leading the way for a an outstanding lineup of people who will be speakingduring this month.”
Other speakers scheduled for February include author OmarTyree, Donald Moss and Janette Hoston Harris, former SU students who played alarge role in the Civil Rights movement, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
All motivational speakers events are free and open to thepublic.
