5X社区 will hold its 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. The keynote speaker for the event is Bertice Berry, Ph.D. A Kent State alumna and sociologist, she is also an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne. Dr. Berry鈥檚 vision is to enable, empower and uplift others to live an intentional life of purpose and joy. Her mission is to inspire change and transformation through life-long learning, diversity, values and excellence.
Dr. Berry was the host and co-executive producer of her own nationally syndicated talk show, The Bertice Berry Show. She also hosted USA Live, a four-hour live interview and entertainment show on USA Network. Best known as a gifted speaker with a comic edge and a comic with a serious message, Dr. Berry has been featured on numerous television programs, including appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and ABC鈥檚 20/20. She is also the best-selling author of several books, including an inspirational memoir called I鈥檓 On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head.
Following her keynote presentation, a brief Q&A will take place.
Dr. Berry鈥檚 keynote address is free to attend, but a ticket is required. Visit www.kent.edu/diversity/MLK to download a free ticket.
The commemorative event also will recognize the 2018 recipients of Kent State鈥檚 Diversity Trailblazer Award, which honors diversity pioneers associated with Kent State, and Unity Award for Diversity, which recognizes the contributions of any Kent State unit that demonstrates significant contributions in the areas of diversity, equity and/or inclusion.
The annual Day of Service event on Monday, Jan. 15, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. will kick off Kent State鈥檚 series of celebratory events. Kent State鈥檚 Day of Service, which is sponsored by the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, University College and Hillel at Kent State, offers Kent State community members the opportunity to engage in community service to area nonprofit organizations.
Following the annual celebration, a commemorative week of activities will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 2. For more information, visit www.kent.edu/diversity/MLK.
For more information about Kent State鈥檚 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, visit www.kent.edu/diversity/MLK or call 330-672-2442.