Vanzant to open series

In keeping with his promise for more intellectual-themed events on campus, Chancellor Kofi Lomotey has announced his first guest in his speaker series, motivational speaker and author Iyanla Vanzant.
“I think part of our responsibly as an institute of higher education is to motivate students and others to think seriously about career choices and our individual responsibly to make society better,” said Lomotey.
Other than lectures, Lomotey said the series will include films, discussions and plays. The lecture, which will be held in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union, is slated to begin at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19 and will be followed by a book signing by the author.
Lomotey said the on-campus bookstore will sell Vanzant’s books.
“I’ve know Iyanla Vanzant for a number of years,” said Lomotey when asked how he decided on choosing Vanzant as the first speaker. “I’ve heard her speak to groups and I think she’s well received by black women because she is a tremendous success story. I’m quite confidante that people will be impressed by her.”
After several years of sexual and physical abuse, Vanzant enrolled in Medger Evers College where she received a degree in science and went on to earn a law degree from Queen’s College.
As the author of best sellers “Yesterday, I Cried,” “One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” and “Every Day I Pray,” Vanzant’s books focus on spiritual awakening and healing and empowerment, especially for black women and men.
The Chancellor added he wants students and the audience to gain three things from his lecture series.
“I first want to emphasize education beyond the classroom and that in fact we should be life long learners. Secondly, I want to provide for students people who look like them who have become successful in their chosen field. And finally, I want students and others to interact very closely with these individuals.”
At 5 p.m., the speaker will have dinner with select students and faculty. According to Lomotey, the students chosen for the dinner will depend upon the theme of the lecture.
“For example, when Nikki Giovanni comes, the poetry group on campus would host the dinner, introduce the speaker, give the occasion…that’s what I mean when I say students will have a close interaction with the speaker.”
Other speakers slated to appear are poet Nikki Giovanni, hip-hop lecturer from Bergen Community College Jon Yasin, rapper and Black Star member Talib Kweli, Essence magazine columnist Susan Taylor, author Sista Souljah, author and doctor Ben Carson, activist and poet and lecturer Sonia Sanchez, to name a few.
“Once we have the speaker for January confirmed, we’ll have posters and flyers around campus,” said Lomotey. “But the announcement is already on the campus’ Web site.”