Past Events
Rosa Alicia Clemente is an organizer, political commentator and independent journalist. An Afro-Puerto Rican born and raised in the Bronx, NY she has dedicated her life to organizing, scholarship and activism. She is one of the rawest, honest, political, social, and cultural voices
in the country. From Harvard to prisons, Rosa has spent her life dedicated to grassroots organizing and scholar activism. To learn more about Rosa's life, read her bio here.
4 p.m. via Webex
Student Center Ballroom
Emmy Award-winning journalist, Jemele Hill is the co-founder of Lodge Freeway Media and a staff writer for The Atlantic. Hill was previously the chief correspondent and senior columnist for The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture. While at the Undefeated, Hill wrote, conducted newsmaker interviews, offered commentary of content for The Undefeated’s digital, television and audio platforms. She also hosts events and other important initiatives, including The Undefeated town halls and television specials. To read Jemele's complete bio, click here.
4 p.m. via Webex
How many times have you heard someone complain that contemporary rap music lacks its modern-day Public Enemy equivalent? You've probably said it yourself. We all have. But we need to stop. Yeah, Public Enemy is inviolate and irreplaceable, but Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music is the closest we're going to get to an ideal soundtrack for a Do the Right Thing remake.
It's no surprise that the beats come from Brooklyn, courtesy of El-P, a hip-hop artist, producer and entrepreneur who is the borough's resident laureate of urban apocalypse. Snares crash like abandoned buildings being blown up. Synthesizers ooze with a diseased glow of something dying in a toxic water supply. The effect is like a futuristic junkyard come to life. In the midst of the decay of post-industrial New York, Killer Mike, hip-hop inferno, pours fuel on the already inflamed. To read more about Killer Mike, click here.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Ana Navarro is a well-known Republican strategist, political analyst for CNN, CNN en Español, and Telemundo, and co-host of ABC’s The View. The Miami New Times named her a “Republican power-consultant,” and the Tampa Bay Times called her “a sought-after voice in Republican politics and an adviser for any presidential hopeful,” saying, “with confidants Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio she is poised to play a big role in the GOP response to immigration reform and Hispanic outreach.” Respected on both sides of the aisle for her straight-shooting and candor, Navarro frequently appears in the media, sought after by Meet the Press, Bill Maher’s Real Time, Anderson Cooper 360, and The View, to name a few. “Ana speaks the truth, and she is willing to speak the truth to power without reservation…She has the ear of lots of elected officials,” said Republican consultant Brett O’Donnell. She is in touch with the political issues people are talking about, and in presentations, she discusses the latest hot button issues in politics, giving audiences an insider’s view of the upcoming elections and a roadmap for where the country is headed. To read Ana's complete bio, click here.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Peggy Whitson is in a league of her own as one of the few human beings who's been lucky enough to travel to space. The veteran astronaut has an incredible list of record-breaking accomplishments to her name: the first woman to command the International Space Station(twice! 2008 & 2013); first non-military Chief Astronaut with the most spacewalks (10) of any female astronaut, the most spacewalk hours completed by a woman (60 hours, 21 minutes total) and third most of any spacefarer; and totaling 665 days, Dr. Whitson has spent more time in space than any other American.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Don Lemon is a veteran TV journalist and trusted source of information from CNN, NBC and MSNBC. Relatable and charismatic, Lemon’s award-winning work defies genre, candidly exposing injustice and the resiliency of the human spirit. A true product of the modern news age, Lemon discusses how he has embraced social media’s power to reach viewers. An inspiration to diverse audiences, he shares his hard-fought rise to primetime as one of the most prominent African-American and gay men in TV news today. Don Lemon anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, which airs weeknights at 10 pm. He also serves as a CNN U.S. correspondent.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Angela Rye is Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm in the nation's capital. She is a CNN Political Commentator and NPR Political Analyst. She has been featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several publications and outlets from Marie Claire to Ebony and the Washington Post. Rye has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in the political process. Rye is a prominent strategist who has offered on-air commentary for several media outlets including BET, CNN, NBC, HBO, ABC, MSNBC, and TV One.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Nathalie Molina Niño is the author of LEAPFROG, The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs (Penguin Random House, Tarcher Perigee), and an impact investor targeting high-growth businesses that benefit women and the planet. A proud daughter of Latinx immigrants confessed but recovering serial entrepreneur, Molina Niño launched her first tech startup at the age of twenty. She's the co-founder of Entrepreneurs@Athena at the Athena Center for Leadership Studies of Barnard College at Columbia University.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom and CN 2130-Clarkston campus
Tarana Burke shares the story behind the genesis of the viral 2017 TIME Person Of The Year-winning ‘me too.’ Movement, and gives strength and healing to those who have experienced sexual trauma or harassment.
The simple yet courageous ‘me too.’ hashtag campaign has emerged as a rallying cry for people everywhere who have survived sexual assault and sexual harassment – and Tarana’s powerful, poignant story as creator of what is now an international movement that supports survivors will move, uplift, and inspire you.
4 p.m.
• Atlanta | Student Center Ballroom
• Alpharetta | AA1140
• Clarkston | JCLRC Auditorium
• Dunwoody | NB 2000
• Newton | 2N 2260
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Sparked by the loss of his father, Alex began sending promise cards to anyone who requested them at no cost. Since his father’s passing on September 4, 2012, because I said I would have sent over 6.64M promise cards to over 150 countries. Alex’s commitment to the betterment of humanity has inspired millions around the world. The story of his promises has been shared virally throughout social media and international news.
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
MLK Commemoration Event
4 p.m.
Student Center East Speaker's Auditorium
To make ends meet, John held a full-time job at Red Lobster, working on the FUBU business in between shifts.
4 p.m.
Student Center East Ballroom
4 p.m.
Student Center East Ballroom
In 2002, Dr. Omalu made a career breakthrough when he became the first doctor to discover and identify chronic brain damage as a major factor in the deaths of some professional athletes. He called the disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which he first discovered as the result of an autopsy he performed on Mike Webster—one of the best Centers in NFL history. “Iron Mike”, the legendary Pittsburgh Steeler and Hall of Famer, died at age 50, his brain revealing something doctors had never seen before. Within five years of reporting on Webster’s case, Dr. Omalu went on to identify CTE in eight more deceased NFL players. He was also the first to discover CTE in military veterans diagnosed with PTSD, as well as professional wrestlers. But his findings were summarily dismissed—and even ridiculed—by his professional peers, the NFL, and the sports industry. The NFL even made a concerted effort to retract Dr. Omalu’s published papers. But he stood his ground in search of the truth.
Today, CTE has become generally accepted and Dr. Omalu’s findings have revolutionized neuroscience, sports medicine and safety, the study of all types of brain trauma, and the entire sports industry. In 2015, Omalu’s life and work were chronicled in a book and film, both titled Concussion. The book was released in November 2015 and Will Smith portrayed Dr. Bennet Omalu in the film, which was released Christmas Day, 2015.
Dr. Omalu was awarded a WebMD Health Heroes 2015 award for his discovery of CTE and raising awareness to the disease. Health Heroes awards are given to those who do great things to help others live healthier, better lives.
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Ms. Brazile began her political career at the age of nine when she worked to support the campaign of a city council candidate who promised to build a playground in her neighborhood. Four decades and innumerable state and local campaigns later, she has worked on every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, when she served as presidential campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore.
Margaret Hoover is a best-selling author and host of SiriusXM’s daily show Get It Right with Margaret Hoover which features pop culture, entertainment and politics. A CNN political contributor, LGBT activist, and veteran of the Bush Administration White House, Margaret is passionate about modernizing the Republican Party. In her bestselling book, American Individualism: How A New Generation of Conservatives Can Save the Republican Party (Crown Forum, July 2011), Ms. Hoover challenges the GOP to modernize in order to connect with the millennial generation.
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
With their best-selling Ben & Jerry’s Double-Dip: How to Run a Values Led Business and Make Money Too, they created a nuts-and-bolts guidebook to the promise and pitfalls of “values-led” business, as well as an inspiring wake-up call about the growing international influence of the “socially conscious” or “mission-driven” corporation.
Free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream will be provided (while supplies last).
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Well known for her award-winning show, Judge Hatchett, she was lauded for her creative sentencing and powerful administration of justice. With a groundbreaking approach to courtroom television, she delivered revolutionary interventions where litigants "do time" with successful community leaders and professionals from the workforce, the arts, social activism, public service, and athletics.
Glenda Hatchett and the Hatchett Law Firm announced Monday they will be representing the family of Philando Castile in all civil legal matters related to his death after a traffic stop in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota last week.
34th Annual MLK Commemoration
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
In 2012, Mashable.com named Takei the #1 most influential person on Facebook. He currently boasts nearly 10 million Facebook likes and more than 1.81 million Twitter followers – and he uses these platforms to share humor, news, and his take on current events.
Currently, Takei hosts the AARP-produced YouTube series Takei’s Take and is the subject of To Be Takei (2014), a documentary on his life and career. On his own YouTube channel, Takei and his husband Brad give viewers a peek into their personal lives in the “heightened reality” web series It Takeis Two.
In 2015, Takei made his Broadway debut in the musical Allegiance. Inspired by Takei’s own childhood experiences, Allegiance follows one family’s extraordinary journey in an untold American story of forgiveness, joy, and the redemptive power of love
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
4 p.m.
Student Center Speaker Auditorium
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
In 2005 O’Brien and her husband started Starfish Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps bridge the gap of opportunities for young minority women from low-income families to attend college.
Soledad's memoir "The Next Big Story: My Journey through the Land of Possibilities" chronicles her biggest reporting moments and how her upbringing and background have influenced these experiences and was published in 2010.
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
33rd Annual MLK Commemoration
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
In 1998, Satcher was sworn in as the 16th Surgeon General of the United States. He also served as assistant secretary for health in the Department of Health and Human Services from February 1998 to January 2001, making him only the second person in history to have held both positions simultaneously.
Dolvett Quince is a force of nature. As a veteran health and fitness expert and one of the star trainers on "The Biggest Loser," Quince has dedicated himself to “helping people change their lives, one rep at a time.” During his early years working as a trainer at the YMCA, he noticed that by helping his clients shape their bodies, he was also improving their self-esteem, creating an overall desire for better health. Believing in the importance of reshaping one’s self mentally to transform physically is central to Quince’s philosophy.
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
32nd Annual MLK Commemoration
4 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3 p.m.
Georgia State University Sports Arena
Thirty-first Annual MLK Convocation
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Perry is a CNN education contributor and an Essence best-selling author for his book, "Man Up! Nobody is Coming to Save Us." His fifth and latest book, "Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve (Even if it Means Picking a Fight)," addresses the public school system and the challenge it poses to parents whose children are immersed in it. Perry is also the host of his own television show, "Save My Son," on TV1.
For his achievements at Apple Computer, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators. In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy and Employment. Wozniak currently serves as chief scientist for Fusion-IO and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best-selling autobiography, "iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon," in September 2006 by Norton Publishing.
This event is free, no ticket required, and open to all students, faculty, staff and the public. All guests are encouraged to arrive early for seats. Once the Ballroom is full, guests will be directed to the Speaker’s Auditorium for viewing via live feed.
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Steve Wozniak
Co-Founder of Apple Computer and Philanthropist
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Followed by Meet & Greet or Book Signing
Pinsky stars in the hit reality series "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," which chronicles the struggle for sobriety and the cycle of addictive disorders in a group of celebrities. The sixth installment of the series, "Rehab with Dr. Drew," follows the real-life experiences of everyday people who are struggling with addiction as they undergo detoxification and treatment.
In December of 2010 Dr. Drew Pinsky joined HLN as the host of his own show, "Dr. Drew On Call," where he continues to attract audiences and explores the motivations behind people's actions and behaviors. Dr. Drew is also the host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Loveline" where he has been taking calls from listeners about love, sex and relationships for over 25 years.
Ferrera first secured her place as one of Hollywood's most vibrant young talents with her starring role in the Patricia Cardoso film "Real Women Have Curves." Her performance earned her a Sundance Jury Award for Best Actress, an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Debut Performance and a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance for a Leading Young Actress.
Chopra will discuss practical ways to experience higher consciousness, transformation and healing. He will also address such questions as: Are we in the midst of a major paradigm shift in science? Is there an ultimate reality? How does our understanding of consciousness as pure potentiality enhance our capacity for intuition, creativity, conscious choice making, healing and the awakening of dormant potentialities such as nonlocal communication and non-local sensory experience?
Chopra appears in conjunction with the Counseling and Testing Center’s 5th Biennial Cultural Competency Conference.
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Download Deepak Chopra’s Biography
Today, "The Buried Life" has over 1 million Facebook fans and more than 130,000 Twitter followers. Despite their success, the four stars work to keep the show authentic to their original vision: “Simple and practical things demonstrate that, with creativity and the help of others, a person can accomplish anything — anything is possible.”
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
The Buried Life: Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Jonnie Penn
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Bill Nye
The Earth is a Great Home, But We Have to Make Some Changes
Monday, November 14, 2011
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
She will discuss her own career path as she explains how journalism can be a force for propelling the world forward in new and positive ways. Lisa Ling appears in conjunction with the 29th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Lisa Ling
Open Heart, Open Mind
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Mark Kelly
Endeavor to Succeed
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Legend launched the Show Me Campaign, a nonprofit organization fighting poverty. John also sits on the boards of The Education Equality Project, Teach for America, and the Harlem Village Academies. Among John Legend’s honors received are: the 2010 BET Humanitarian of the Year award, the 2009 CARE Humanitarian Award for Global Change, and the 2009 Africare’s Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
An Afternoon with John Legend
Monday, February 20, 2012
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After studying English and creative writing at the University of Alabama, she moved to New York City, where she worked in magazine publishing and marketing for nine years. It was there that she wrote "The Help," her first novel. Printed after rejection by close to 50 literary agents, "The Help" quickly climbed onto the New York Times’ bestseller list, where it has remained for more than 100 weeks.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
An Afternoon with Kathryn Stockett
Thursday, March 29, 2012
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Download Kathryn Stockett’s Biography
Healing, Transformation and Higher Consciousness
Thursday, April 12, 2012
6 p.m.
Georgia State University Sports Arena
This event is free for all Georgia State University students, faculty and staff with PantherCard ID at the door. All others are $10 at the door.
In July of 1960, Jane Goodall began her landmark study of chimpanzee behavior in what is now Tanzania. Her work at Gombe Stream would become the foundation of future primatological research and redefine the relationship between humans and animals. The Jane Goodall Institute continues the Gombe research and is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. The Institute is widely recognized for innovative, community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the global environmental and humanitarian youth program.
This event is free, no ticket required, and open to all students, faculty, staff and the public. All guests are encouraged to arrive early for seats. Once the Ballroom is full, guests will be directed to the Speaker’s Auditorium for viewing via live feed.
Photo by Michael Neugebauer. Please note: Dr. Goodall does not handle wild chimpanzees. This orphan chimp lives at a sanctuary.
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
An Afternoon with Jane Goodall
Monday, October 8, 2012
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Followed by Book Signing
For more information about Jane Goodall, please visit her website.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Monday, September 20, 2010
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Monday, October 18, 2010
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Monday, November 1, 2010
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.
Free event! No ticket required. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the public.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
3 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom
Supported by Student Activity Fees.