Carol Moseley Braun to speak

Carol Moseley Braun, a nationally known political figure who has more recently become an organic-foods entrepreneur, will speak on December 5 at 8:00 p.m. in Rosse Hall, in a lecture titled "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."

Moseley Braun was the first African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, representing Illinois from 1992 to 1998. She was an advocate for health care reform, retirement security, and equal opportunity in education.

Following an unsuccessful reelection bid, she was appointed by President Clinton to serve as ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, a post she held from 1999 to 2001. She also ran briefly for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.

That year, Moseley Braun founded Good Food Organics, which produces a line of organic spices, teas, and coffees under the name Ambassador Organics. She is currently president and chief executive officer of Good Food Organics. She traces her interest in agriculture to an Alabama farm that has been in her family since just after the Civil War.

"Students can expect Ambassador Braun to give a candid insight into Washington, D.C., culture in addition to explicating the plight of minorities and women within the political and corporate world," says Matthew Segal '08, who organized the visit. "I am sure she will also give thoughts on how to create change and stay engaged within a world of distraction."

Moseley Braun's career in public service began in 1973, when she joined the office of the United States Attorney in Chicago as a prosecutor. She won election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1978, going on to serve for ten years and earning recognition primarily for education reform.

A native of Chicago, Moseley Braun is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Chicago, and the University of Chicago School of Law. Her appearance at Kenyon is sponsored by the discrimination advisors and Speak Out Against Discrimination Day, along with Student Lectureships and the following College offices: multicultural affairs, student activities, equal opportunity, human resources, and the provost.