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Alumna Bertice Berry, an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne, to serve as keynote speaker

�鶹��ѡ 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 �鶹��ѡalumna and sociologist, she is also an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne. Dr. Berry’s 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’s “20/20.” She is also the best-selling author of several books, including an inspirational memoir called “I’m On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head.” 

Following her keynote presentation, a brief Q&A will take place.

Dr. Berry’s 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’s Diversity Trailblazer Award, which honors diversity pioneers associated with Kent State, and Unity Award for Diversity, which recognizes the contributions of any �鶹��ѡunit 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’s series of celebratory events. Kent State’s Day of Service, which is sponsored by the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, University College and Hillel at Kent State, offers �鶹��ѡcommunity members the opportunity to engage in community service to area nonprofit organizations. To register, visit www.kent.edu/oeece/mlk-day-service-0.

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’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, visit www.kent.edu/diversity/MLK or call 330-672-2442.

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Photo Caption:

Bertice Berry, Ph.D., an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne and �鶹��ѡ alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker at Kent State’s 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The event will take place Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

Media Contacts:

Shana Lee, slee@kent.edu, 330-672-8582

Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595