In the spirit of this year’s inclusive theme, Montgomery County Community College has expanded its annual Presidential Symposium on Diversity to a three-day extravaganza of activities – including a keynote presentation, book chat and workshops – to involve and inspire as many people as possible. The events are free and open to the community.

The Symposium kicks off with a keynote presentation, “Inspire Beyond Inclusion” by award-winning author, activist and educator, Dr. Lorene Cary, on Monday, Feb. 20, at 1 PM in the Health Sciences Center Gymnasium on MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus.

Following the presentation, Cary will be signing her memoir, Black Ice, in the atrium, and free books will be available on a first come, first-serve basis.

Cary grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Philadelphia. In 1972 when she was a teenager, she had the opportunity to attend an elite boarding school in New Hampshire on a scholarship. Miles away from home and family, she learned how to navigate and succeed on her own terms. Later in her life, Cary wrote about her experience in Black Ice, which quickly made the best-seller lists.

Since the publication of Black Ice in 1992, Cary has authored several books. She also wrote the play, My General Tubman, which performed at Arden Theatre in 2020, and has other productions in progress. Cary currently teaches Creative Writing at the University of Pennsylvania and directs #VoteThatJawn to bring Philly youth to the polls.

The Symposium continues with a Black Ice book chat with Cary on Feb. 21 at 11 AM in the North Hall 202 Gallery of MCCC’s Pottstown Campus.

Online workshops will be presented by MCCC’s faculty and administrators on Feb. 21 and 22.

Throughout the week, MCCC will be collecting non-perishable donations for its Stock Up for Success Food Pantries, which are located at both campuses. The pantries provide free food and other items for students, helping them to combat food insecurity.

In the event of inclement weather, the Presidential Symposium activities will be held virtually, and the online links will be available on the website at mc3.edu/symposium.

Dr. Lorene Carey on Education.