Michael Eric Dyson set to speak at SU

Prominent author, social commentator, ordained minister and scholar Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is the first speaker for the 2007-2008 Motivational Speakers Series at the university. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 19 at 7 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
Given the name “The Hip-Hop Intellectual” by supporters and critics for his pioneering explorations of rap music, Dyson’s book “Know What I Mean?” addresses relevant issues within hip-hop. The book includes commentary from renowned artists Nas and Jay-Z.
The author if 14 books, his controversial work “Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster,” discusses issues of the United States government, Katrina victims and disentrancement in American society. Topics for his other works include: race, issues amongst generations and pop culture.
Beginning in January 2006, Dyson was the host of the daily syndicated talk radio show, The Michael Eric Dyson Show. Ending in February 2007, the show aired weekdays on the Syndication One Radio Network. Dyson has also been interviewed on National Public Radio, CNN and Real Time with Bill Maher.
Formerly the Avalon Foundation Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Religious and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Dyson is the University Professor at Georgetown University, where he teaches Theology, English and African American Studies.
Dyson’s accolades include: one of Essence Magazine’s 40 most inspiring African-Americans, Ebony Magazine’s one of the 100 most influential Black Americans and the NAACP Image Award. Dyson won the nominations first for his book “Why I Love Black Women,” in 2004 and again in 2006 for his book “Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind?,” a New York Times bestseller. The work examines social class in Black America.
Dyson’s books will be available at the conclusion of lecture. He will be on hand for personal autographs of his works. All students and staff are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit http://www.michaelericdyson.com or contact Edna Hickman at (225) 771-3922.