Central State University welcomes Brown Hands Literacy for reignited Convocation Series

Central State University is excited to announce the reinstatement of the weekly Convocation Series for the fall 2024 semester. This long-standing tradition, designed to enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the campus, returns with a dynamic lineup of speakers, starting on Aug. 27. The series will take place Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in the Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center. It will offer students, faculty, staff, and the broader community a platform for learning, growth, and reflection. 

The Convocation Series has a special focus on first-year students, for whom attendance is mandatory. It serves as an essential introduction to the diverse perspectives and thought leadership that define a Central State education. The University leadership envisions the series as an opportunity for continuous learning, engaging students with compelling topics and inspiring messages that extend beyond classroom instruction. 

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The first speaker in this reinstated series is Latoya Turner, ’09, a distinguished Central State alum and the founder of Brown Hands Literacy, a nonprofit dedicated to educating youth about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through books, experiences, and films. Turner’s passion for literacy and HBCUs is the driving force behind her work as an author, filmmaker, and educator. Her self-published children’s books, “Brown Hands, White Sand” and “Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs,” and her animated film adaptation of the latter have garnered attention at high-profile events like the White House Initiative National HBCU Week Conference and the ESSENCE Festival. 

Turner’s educational journey began at Central State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She later obtained a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Central Michigan University. After spending 15 years teaching in Detroit, Maryland, and Cincinnati, she transitioned to a new role in 2022 as a Leading Men Fellowship literacy specialist with The Literacy Lab, where she mentors young Black and brown men. 

Turner’s commitment to fostering a love of literacy, combined with her dedication to promoting the legacy of HBCUs, makes her an ideal speaker to kick off this significant series. 

Her work exemplifies the values Central State University upholds — creativity, community service, and the power of education. 

In reinstating the Convocation Series, Central State University aims to foster a deeper appreciation for personal growth, global awareness, and the diverse world we inhabit. The series reflects the University’s mission to provide holistic education and prepare students for leadership and service in a changing world. 

We encourage the entire Central State community to attend and participate in these enlightening sessions. With each speaker offering unique insights and perspectives, the Convocation Series promises to be a cornerstone of the fall 2024 semester’s academic and cultural experience. 

For more information about the series or to submit speaker nominations for future sessions, contact Keith Aaron Perkins, director of Alumni Relations and Convocation Series speaker committee chair, at kperkins@centralstate.edu.