On Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Watson Theater, the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) in collaboration with the Disability Cultural Center (DCC), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Incorporated, will host regional news reporter, . Thomas is an Emmy Award-winning television broadcaster and Hollywood journalist that has covered the media industry throughout the entirety of his career. Thomas is a member of the Broadcast Film Critic Association (BFCA), the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), SAG-AFRTA and the National Speakers Association (NSA).
To gear up for his talk with the campus next week, here are four facts you might not know about our guest speaker!
1. Thomas is one of few television personalities that is openly diagnosed with vitiligo.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that destroys skin pigmentation. Thomas is coming to share his experience working and living with the condition. He was diagnosed early in his career but he found a way, as he puts it, “To not only survive, but to thrive”.
2. Thomas is a TED Talk Speaker
Thomas’s TED Talk, “” has gained over 2 million views since its original publishing date!
3. Thomas is a founding member of the VStrong Vitiligo Awareness Community.
As a long-time advocate for Vitiligo support an awareness, Thomas has continually lent his efforts to support education and awareness efforts regarding the disease.
4. Thomas is a published author.
In his memoir “Turning White: A Memoir of Change,” Thomas details his battle with his skin disorder and how he was able to master the difficulties in his life as his skin changed.
To learn more information about guest speaker, Lee Thomas, visit his . For more information regarding Black History Month Events, view .