PRESS ROOM

President of Spelman College to Keynote YWCA Women Achievers Luncheon

  

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May 11, 2010, Boston, MA - YWCA Boston (http://www.ywcaboston.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women today announced they have selected Dr. Beverly Tatum to be the keynote speaker for their 16th annual Academy of Women Achievers Celebration Luncheon on June 1, 2010 at the Westin Copley Place Hotel. President of Spelman College and a best-selling author, Tatum will join YWCA Boston in honoring diverse Boston women for their leadership, professional achievements and civic commitment to empowering women.

YWCA Boston's Academy of Women Achievers builds female empowerment and solidarity by celebrating women who have made significant contributions in their professions, and to social and economic justice. Since the Academy's inception in 1995, YWCA Boston has inducted more than 135 leaders at an annual Women's Leadership Event.

Tatum is well-known for facilitating conversations about race and diversity among diverse groups. Her career has been dedicated to breaking down racial barriers and fostering tolerance and respect. "Dr. Tatum and her work exemplify the YWCA's mission of both eliminating racism and empowering women," said Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, YWCA Boston President & CEO. "We are delighted that she will deliver our keynote address and look forward to hearing her remarks."

Tatum is widely recognized as a scholar, teacher, race relations expert and leader in higher education. She is the president of Spelman College, an institution with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, leadership and positive social change. A clinical psychologist by training, her areas of research include racial identity development, and the role of race in the classroom. The recipient of numerous honorary degrees, in 2005, Tatum was awarded the prestigious Brock International Prize in Education for her innovative leadership in the field. She is a noted author on the subject of race in America, racial identity development and the role of race in the classroom. Her best-selling titles include Can We Talk About Race? And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation (Beacon Press, 2008), Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race (Basic Books, 1997) and Assimilation Blues: Black Families in a White Community (Basic Books, 2000).

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About YWCA Boston
Founded in 1866, YWCA Boston is America's first YWCA. For more than 140 years, YWCA Boston has worked to eliminate racism and empower women. Today's YWCA provides critical direct services in the community. They include mobile health and wellness education for women and girls; breast cancer survivor support; adult, interracial community dialogues; youth civic engagement, and financial literacy programs for working women. YWCA Boston sponsors Boston's Academy of Women Achievers and an annual, city-wide Stand Against Racism. YWCA also provides housing for single women at its Berkley Residence. To learn more about YWCA Boston, visit www.ywcaboston.org, or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Academy of Women Achievers Press Contact: Carol Arnold, Arnold Communications, (603) 502-0469, awapr@ywcaboston.org.