Texas Tech University

Speaker Announced for 2019 African-American History Month Lecture Series

David Gay

February 20, 2019

Political commentator Angela Rye will speak as a part of the lecture series.

Event Poster

The Texas Tech University Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion welcomes Angela Rye, principal and chief executive officer of IMPACT Strategies and CNN political commentator, as part of the 2019 African-American History Month Lecture Series.

"An Evening with Angela" will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Student Union Building's Allen Theatre.

"The goal of the lecture series is to introduce Texas Tech and the Lubbock area to talented and accomplished African-Americans who have had a significant impact in their community, career and the world," said Nathaniel Wright, an assistant professor of political science in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Moreover, the series represents Texas Tech's strong commitment to present lectures and forums that speak to pertinent issues facing the African-American community and is a good opportunity for the university to help shape those conversations."

Rye is a political strategist who provides on-air commentary for BET, MSNBC and TV One and serves on the boards of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network. Rye also co-founded IMPACT Strategies, an organization that seeks to encourage young professionals in three core areas: economic empowerment, civic engagement and political involvement. She graduated from the University of Washington and the Seattle University School of Law.

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Tickets are limited to two per person and can be picked up prior to the lecture in Doak Hall, Room 101, on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket holders must arrive prior to 6:45 p.m. to be seated; failure to arrive and be seated before this time will result in a possible forfeiture of the seat. Any unclaimed seats on the day of the lecture will be made available at 6:45 p.m.

About the African-American History Month Lecture Series

The African-American History Month Lecture Series is in its sixth year and is sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, along with numerous other Texas Tech entities.

Past speakers include:

    • Wes Moore, acclaimed author and entrepreneur
    • Harry Belafonte, iconic entertainer and activist
    • Cornel West, public intellectual and activist
    • Anita Hill, advocate, author and professor
    • Michael Eric Dyson, pastor, author and professor