Kevin Powell, an American writer, public speaker, political activist poet, and entrepreneur, will speak to students at the American University of Nigeria on Friday.
Powell has been on a mission to teach young people to be all they can be since the early 1990s.
A product of Rutgers University, New Jersey, the United States, he has lectured all around America and is widely known as the new voice of freedom.
Powell’s work focuses on economic literacy and empowerment, multiculturalism, curtailing the disrespect of women and girls, America’s fledging educational system, leadership, black history and the civil rights movement.
He said: “My life calling is to be a servant for the people, period.
“Money, fame, status, personal achievements and all that means very little to me when pain and suffering are still real on this planet.
“I’m interested in the powerless becoming powerful.”
In 2008, he released The Black Male Handbook: A Blueprint for Life, a series of essays that teaches young minority males how to survive.
Who’s Gonna Take the Weight, another one of his books, examines the plight of African Americans in the 21st Century.
A student of Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, Mr. Powell is currently promoting his new book: Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, and the Ghost of Dr. King.
His writings have been featured in Esquire, Newsweek, The Washington Post, Essence, Rolling Stone, The Amsterdam News, Vibe Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, Ebony.com, and The Daily Kos.
He will be at AUN for two days, delivering talks on leadership and relationship on November 9 and 10.
Dorsey Spencer, the Director of Students Activities and Involvement of AUN, said: “Powell’s coming to AUN provides students with an amazing opportunity to further their leadership development and enhance their life skills all while having fun and being entertained.”
Veronica Otogo, a member of the Campus Activities Board, said the event is beginning to get students excited.
Otogo said: “His high profile suggests that he is someone many students want to hear speak.”
Otogo, a Business Administration major, is part of the organisers of this event and anticipating Powell’s arrival.
Powell has been a leader for over decades, dating back to his days at Rutgers University.
He was a participant in the student-led anti-apartheid movement, at the forefront of police brutality and racial bias cases and has worked for the enfranchization of minority groups.
One of the most prominent voices in the hip-hop generation, he has organized a number of concerts, MC battles, rallies, and forums that stress the use of hip-hop as a tool for social change.
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