“It is possible to be academically advanced and culturally retarded,” said Sister Souljah to a mix of laughter and thunderous applause from the student body during her lecture Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Memorial Student Center auditorium.
Hosted by the Office of Special Programs, the lecture, which was followed by a book-signing, centered on students expanding their knowledge of African culture, developing their relationship skills and shaping their mentality through literature.
“I knew that she would be an impact speaker,” said Lydia Love, assistant director for Special Programs Culture Series and Student Affairs. “I felt that the message she would give to our students would motivate them to change the way that they live and handle their relationships. That was also one of my core reasons for bringing her here.”
According to Love, it took a year of juggling between money and busy schedules to negotiate her lecture on the campus.
Born in the Bronx in 1964, Lisa Williams has been known as Sister Souljah ever since she recorded ‘Buck Wildin’ with Chuck D.
“What stood out about me the most was that I was a fighter and that I saw myself as being part of a team. So I spell Souljah, s-o-u-l, soul, which means ‘the essence of.’ And j-a-h, jah which means God. So the name Sister Souljah means fighting to bring back the essence of God,” she said.
Souljah has written two best selling novels, The Coldest Winter Ever and No Disrespect. Next on her agenda is the sequel to The Coldest Winter Ever, due to be released in 2008. Although many fans anticipate the release of a film to this book, Souljah had limited words on the subject.
“It will come out when the business apparatus is right. Right now it’s not,” she said.
SGA President Andre Evans said, “I thought that Sister Souljah’s delivery was very powerful, relevant and engaging. She had no reservations in giving the students the truth.”
Souljah encouraged students to become actively involved in campus life and their community to enrich the quality of their lives. As a student, her studies abroad allowed her to travel to England, France, Spain, Portugal, Finland and Russia. Souljah has also spoken at the Million Woman March, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live and graced the cover of Newsweek Magazine.
“I felt the event voiced a lot of concerns that we as students have,” said Jessica Berry, senior double major in biology and biomedical science.
After a passionate two-hour lecture and four hours signing books, Souljah said, “It’s really about balance. Develop a sharp mindset and a massive understanding of one particular area of life. Be able to build something that not only enriches yourself but helps other people.”