HIV/AIDS activist, LaWanda Jones will speak to Chattanooga State Community College students on the topic of “Staying in the Fight” during the campus activity period at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in the Humanities Auditorium. Ms. Jones is an advocate who champions awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, and stopping the spread of HIV. Chattanooga State, the Southeast Tennessee Development District and the Tennessee Department of Health are sponsoring her appearance as part of the activities for Black History Month.
Ms. Jones, who uses comedy to temper her message on this life-threatening issue, is active with many community organizations, and provides care for her niece who contracted the HIV virus. She will speak again at noon on the topic of “Life Choices” at the annual “Empowering the College Woman” luncheon in the faculty/staff dining room (OMNI 124/126).
Ms. Jones attended Lane College in Jackson, Tn. However, she graduated from Lambuth University, also in Jackson, with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. A single mom of two, she has been a public speaker for 20 years and a comedienne for 12 years. She is active with New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, the Lions Club, Tau Beta Sigma, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Female Comediennes Association, Parents Against Bullying, and the Epilepsy Foundation.
To learn more about this event or other Black History Month activities at Chattanooga State, contact event coordinators, Justin Booker, director of student activities, at 423 697-2482, justin.booker@chattanoogastate.edu or Mary Knaff, director, Multicultural Services at 423 697-3371, mary.knaff@chattanoogastate.edu.