East Carolinian

Ledonia Wright Cultural Center welcomes Susan L. Taylor

Essence editor to speak on female empowerment

Jennifer Bowles

Staff Writer

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center has invited famed Editorial Director of Essence magazine Susan L. Taylor to speak in celebration of the inaugural Ledonia Wright Cultural Center Day.

Since joining Essence more than 30 years ago, Taylor has become an inspiration to millions as a living image of the magazine.

Taylor is an entrepreneur, author of two books and noted for her "In the Spirit" column.

Taylor was called "the most influential black woman in journalism today" by American Libraries in 1994.

"Through her words of inspiration and motivation, Ms. Taylor has been very uplifting to audiences across the country," said Lathan E. Turner, Ph.D and director of Intercultural Student Affairs and Ledonia Wright Cultural Center.

The topic of Taylor's speech will be "A New Vision for Women: Healing and Empowering Ourselves."

"I'm really looking forward to hearing what she'll say to us," said Keeyana White, sophomore undecided major.

"From what I understand, Ms. Taylor had a hard time in life, but turned it around through positive thinking and faith. I think most students can really benefit from coming out and listening to her talk."

In addition to autobiographical reflections, Taylor has addressed such diverse topics as sexuality, domestic violence, male-female relations in the African American community, the Gulf War, the beating of Rodney King, the meaning of Africa for African Americans and black history.

"We are very excited to bring in a nationally renowned businesswoman, author and motivational speaker. She immediately came into mind when we began planning this event, and we are honored that she accepted our invitation," Turner said.

Turner said this event encompasses a celebration of women's history month as well as the accomplishments of LWCC.

Established in 1995, LWCC is named in honor of Ledonia Wright, a popular and respected university professor who was active in the university's first African-American student organization. The Society of United Liberated Students was established to empower and motivate students, a tradition that is carried on in LWCC's research and educational programming.

"We want to recognize the students' accomplishments and contributions to the center as well as the university," Turner said.

"In addition to Ms. Taylor speaking, we will also be issuing four new awards to students."

Taylor will recognize winners of the Ledonia Wright Memorial essay contest and the S.O.U.L.S. Memorial Award.

The festivities begin on Thursday, March 4 with a showing of works by ECU alumnus David Byer-Tyre in the LWCC Gallery from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. with a reception from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Turner said this event is a celebration of all cultures and genders. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend. The event is free, but tickets must be obtained from the Central Ticket office in Mendenhall Student Center.

Joyner Library and the Division of Student Life are sponsors in part of this event.

A pre-event reception will be held from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at LWCC, and the rain site will be in the MSC multipurpose room.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

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