The message Jackson hopes to convey to what is expected to be an overflow audience attending the ninth Wittenberg Series event of the 2000-01 school year is a positive, upbeat one about the value of public service. I hope to weave a theme of Dr. King's message with our own experiences. Perhaps I will say something that will motivate someone in the audience to give a little bit more, especially students. The Virginia native worked in the Wittenberg public relations office, and she was a member of the Mortar Board and an officer of Concerned Black Students. Her college experiences offered great perspective, and the emphasis on service is something that still impresses her today.
People can make a difference.
Jackson is the latest in a long line of accomplished speakers to appear at Wittenberg for the annual Commemorative Convocation, which became part of the Wittenberg Series in 1991. Last year, renowned poet and author Nikki Giovanni was the keynote speaker.