Georgia Southern University hosts acclaimed scholar Na’im Akbar

March 3, 2008

Georgia Southern University will host a lecture by psychologist, author and orator Dr. Na’im Akbar. Akbar’s extensive work on African American mental life and functioning has become required reading for African American Studies programs throughout the world. His lecture will take place at the Performing Arts Center on March 25 beginning at 7 p.m. It is free of charge and open to the public.

Akbar’s research surrounds the cultural basis of African Americans and African American psychology. His books “Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery,” “The Community of Self,” “Visions for Black Men,” and “Know Thyself,” have received national press and recognition, including an interview on the ‘Oprah Winfrey Show.”

‘I’m excited about the opportunity to bring Dr. Na’im Akbar here to the Georgia Southern campus,” says Consuela Ward Pender, director of the Multicultural Student Center. ‘As an institution, we have a responsibility to expose students to a curriculum and co-curriculum that will foster civic leaders. This is a perfect opportunity bridge these two areas.”

Hailed by Essence Magazine as a ‘pioneer,” Akbar has received international awards and recognitions for his work. Florida State University awarded Akbar the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Scholar Award. He has received honorary doctorates from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln University.

This event is sponsored by the Campus Life Enrichment Committee (CLEC), the Multicultural Student Center, and the Educational Opportunity Program.