The Divine Nine: Greekdom, Black History and the Responsibility to the Campus Community
Lawrence Ross
Thursday, 07 Mar 2013 at 7:00 pm – Sun Room, Memorial Union
Lawrence Ross is the author of The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities and an advocate for eliminating pledging and hazing. His talk includes information about the origins of the Greek system in general, and Black fraternities and sororities in particular. He also discusses the Greek legacy of leadership, community service, achievement and distinction. Ross is a graduate of UCLA and the author of five books, including two novels. He contributes frequently to national media outlets, including CNN, National Public Radio, Ebony, Essence, and theroot.com.Lawrence Ross is also the author of The Ways of Black Folks: A Year in the Life of a People; Money Shot: The Wild Nights and Lonely Days in the Black Porn Industry; Friends With Benefits; and Skin Game
He began his writing career in the mid 90s as the managing editor of Rap Sheet magazine, the West Coast's first hip hop publication. He then moved to the Los Angeles Independent Newspapers, where he covered local politics.
Lawrence Ross received a Bachelor of Arts in history from UCLA and a Master of Fine Arts from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.
Cosponsored By:
- Division of Student Affairs
- Multicultural Student Programming Advisory Council
- National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)
Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.
Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.
Lecture Etiquette
- Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
- Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
- Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
- Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.