Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner

The African American Cultural Center will host the Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner on March 21, 2013 at the McKimmon Center for Extension & Continuing Education, beginning with a reception at 5:30 pm followed by dinner at 6:00 pm.  In 1982, North Carolina State University began hosting the University – Community “Brotherhood Dinner” as a part of the vision of Dr. Lawrence M. Clark, to link North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine’s University and diverse members of our community. The goals of the event were two-fold: to recognize the “important contributions that African Americans have made and continue to make by identifying an African American . . . who has made contributions to America, not only as a scholar, but as an humanitarian” and to “reaffirm . . . our deep commitment to enhancing an environment where people of diverse backgrounds may come to study and work together, realizing their full potential.”  As we recommit to this vision, we are pleased to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Lawrence M. Clark in renaming the dinner in his honor.

We invite you to join the African American Cultural Center to celebrate Dr. Clark’s contributions as a humanitarian and activist, to honor those who continue this legacy, and to recognize student academic achievement.  Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy, director of the African American Cultural Center, notes that the linkages between the three campuses and with the community are an integral part of the mission of the center;  “It also affords us with the opportunity to recognize humanitarian excellence and student achievement.”  We will present the Benjamin O. Mays Award to two dedicated advocates for social justice and community uplift: Margaret Rose Murray, a Raleigh activist and community organizer, and Charlotte O’Neal, a revolutionary artist whose advocacy links the U.S. and Tanzania. Six student honorees, two from each campus, will receive a scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement.

Community members and students attend the dinner free of charge.  If you would like to support the scholarship and program mission of the Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner, we welcome your contributions and participation.  For sponsorship information, please refer to visit this page or contact Ms. Crystal Harkless at 919.515.1396.