Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus Commemoration – January 14, 2013
The African American Cultural Center at NC State will present An Evening with Iyanla Vanzant: Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday January 14, 2013 from 6:00-9:00PM at the McKimmon Center. The event is part of the NC State celebration of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tickets are available at NC State's Ticket Central; please see their website for hours.
Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy, director of the African American Cultural Center notes that “Vanzant has dedicated her life to showing her audiences how to embrace personal and societal peace. She is an ideal presenter for our campus Martin Luther King Commemoration because she has been able to affirm the social and personal justice ideals for which we remember Dr. King.”
Iyanla Vanzant is an author and lecturer and currently hosts her own program, Iyanla, Fix My Life on the OWN network. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Michael Baisden Show and The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Vanzant holds a juris doctorate, a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, two honorary doctorates, an Emmy, and an NAACP Image Award. She has been hailed as one of Halle Berry’s five “Sheroes” (Glamour Magazine 2006); one of the country’s most influential African Americans (Ebony Magazine, 2004); among the country’s most 100 Influential Women (Women’s Day Magazine 2003); and one of the “most dynamic speakers in the United States” (Emerge Magazine 2000).
Iyanla Vanzant is the founder and director of the Institute for Spiritual Development. The Institute offers classes, workshops, and products designed to facilitate the evolution of human consciousness: one mind, one life, one heart, one spirit at a time. She articulates her vision for the center as, “My greatest desire is for people to know who they are from the inside out and to use that knowledge to create the life they desire and deserve. I believe my purpose in life is to facilitate the evolution of human consciousness, how we think, through the understanding of spiritual principles. As we learn to align our being and thinking with the principles of Spirit, we become a divine expression and experience of all that life is meant to be. ”
Several of Iyanla Vanzant’s books, including her most recent, Peace from Broken Pieces, will be available for purchase following her presentation. She will be available to sign books following her lecture.
Please visit the African American Cultural Center’s website for more information. The African American Cultural Center promotes awareness of and appreciation for African American and other African descent experiences through activities and events that enhance academic excellence and strengthen cultural competence for the campus and surrounding communities. The African American Cultural Center stays actively engaged in the academic life of NC State with programs, resources and services that facilitate the cultural, intellectual and social growth of the entire university community.
We hope you have enjoyed the weekly Diversity Digest from the NC State Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED). This is the last issue until January 7, 2013. Please consider forwarding the Digest to someone you know who does not receive it but would enjoy and benefit from our many programs and services. Please see the OIED website for more information on our offerings. Happy Holidays!
Mrs. Sandra Dunn retired from the African American Cultural Center Library during the summer of 2012. She created the foundation and structure of the library and has served many faculty, students, staff, and administrators with our outstanding collections. Many have found the Cultural Center's library second to none and extremely useful in their scholarly endeavors. She now spends her time with her grandchildren and engaged in community service through her church. She is often seen on campus, still attending programs. She worked for D.H. Hill for the greater part of her early career at NC State. Dr. Shelia Smith McKoy stated, “Mrs. Dunn laid a remarkable foundation, which the African American Cultural Center Library has been able to grow and expand upon. We are most appreciative for her years of service."
The Cultural Center was sad to see Judson Fraley leave his postition as administrative manager on November 2, 2012. We are excited about Judson’s new opportunity in UNC-Chapel Hill’s post-doctoral program. During his time with the Cultural Center, he established strong connections around campus and worked diligently with the student organizations.
Tanya Watson, a Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction at NC State, came to North Carolina after being misplaced through Hurricane Katrina. She immediately engaged the students and community through her dedication to volunteering and helping others. She has worked in the Wake County Public School System and will seek a future in education. Dr. Smith McKoy stated, “Ms. Watson has been an amazing support system and resource for our students and University community. Her passion for education is contagious, and her commitment to community service exemplifies our mission.” After graduating this semester, Ms. Watson will reside in Georgia.
