RELEASE DATE: July 26, 2007
Bertice Berry keynotes NC Basic Skills Conference
“Sailing to Success with the Race for Literacy” conference theme
RALEIGH - National personality and author Dr.
Bertice Berry
brings
her special message to the 2007 Basic Skills Conference on Thursday,
August 2 at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. The author,
comedienne and sociologist has created a niche as both a gifted
speaker with a comic edge and a comic with a serious message. She
will share her personal inspiring story with participants during the
Basic Skills Programs Awards Banquet which begins at 5:30 p.m. in
the Ballroom.
Growing up poor in Wilmington, Delaware, the sixth of seven children, Berry was told by a high school teacher that she was "not college material,” and tried to discourage her educational progress. Fortunately, there was another teacher who believed that she was destined for more and encouraged her to apply to college. A wealthy benefactor provided the finances for her to attend Jacksonville University in Florida, where she graduated magna cum laude and was awarded the President's Cup for leadership.
She subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kent State University at the age of 26. She taught sociology and statistics at Kent and became one of the most popular teachers at the university; so popular, in fact, larger lecture halls had to be found to accommodate the ever-increasing number of students. She used humor in her lectures to address such difficult subjects as racisms and sexism and made a more profound impact on the collegiate environment.
Berry left Kent to become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne. She was the host and co-executive producer of her own nationally syndicated talk show, "The Bertice Berry Show," and hosted "USA Live," a four-hour live interview and entertainment show on the USA Cable Network. She's been featured on numerous other television programs, including appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and more recently on ABC’s "20/20".
Dr. Bertice Berry is also the best-selling author of an inspirational memoir, I'm On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head. Her first work of fiction, Redemption Song is a best-seller that has been praised by critics for its’ ability to entertain, inspire and educate. She has followed will subsequent best-sellers, and has released a CD, "Breathe", a delicate mix of meditation and song.
Despite all of her honors and achievements, Dr. Berry is most proud of becoming the "instant mother" to her sister's four young children. She lives in Savannah, GA where she is active in the community. "When you walk with purpose," Berry says, "you collide with destiny!"
Also on Thursday night, the “Outstanding” Even Start Programs, Community–Based Organizations, and Community College Programs will be recognized.
The conference theme, “Sailing to Success with the Race for Literacy,” reflects the mission of Basic Skills in the NC Community College System: to assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency, assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children, and assist adults in the completion of a secondary school education. The participants attend the conference to learn from best practices, enhance their professional development, and network with others involved in this important part of the education spectrum.
The conference begins on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. with System President Martin Lancaster delivering the Keynote Address. Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue is scheduled to introduce President Lancaster.
The workshop sessions begin Wednesday afternoon and continue through Friday morning.
The conference is a collaborative effort of the NCCCS, NC Department of Public Instruction's Even Start program, the North Carolina Literacy Association, and UNC-TV, the statewide public television network. This collaborative effort ensures a more in-depth program with a concentration in family literacy.
If you have questions, e-mail Katie Waters at watersk@nccommunitycolleges.edu or call (919)807-7136, Judy Howell at howellj@nccommunitycolleges.edu, (919)807-7141, or Monique Bloomfield at bloomfieldm@nccommunitycolleges.edu, (919)807-7142.
The North Carolina Community College System enrolls more than 800,000 students in 58 comprehensive community colleges. Internationally recognized for the scope and quality of its programs, the System is North Carolina's primary provider of workforce preparation and adult education. For details, visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu .
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