On Feb. 28, we welcome to campus Her Excellency Michelle Ndiaye, special representative of the chairperson of the African Union. She is also the head of the African Union Liaison Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the granddaughter of Léopold Sédar Senghor, a founder of the Negritude Movement and the first President of Senegal.

She will deliver our 2023 Distinguished Black History Month Keynote Lecture, “Africa in the Global Landscape: Democracy, Food Security and the Role of the Youth.” Before her lecture, she will host a lunchtime Q&A with students to discuss her life experiences and wide-ranging expertise in democratic and local governance as well as sustainable development.

Her presentation is the culmination of our campuswide celebration of Black History Month that has included speakers, student artwork and community events. The free lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. in Monsanto Auditorium.

— Mun