Jeevan Brown's Book Lecture at Tuskegee University!

A Lesson Learned was chosen for the 2018-2019 Year-Long Common Read at the illustrious and historic Tuskegee University. Arriving on campus from my two hour drive from Atlanta I parked behind the campus chapel. As the sun shined in the car I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. When I looked up I said “is that a cemetery?” Indeed it was. Suddenly my phone ringed and it was Dr. Harris. She was walking right towards my car, it was so nice to finally put a face with the voice. I’ve been in contact with Dr. Harris for the past few months, she’s the Director of Student Engagement at Tuskegee University. Dr. Harris gave me a brief tour of the campus and explained that Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver were buried in the cemetery. I was then reminded that I was walking on hallowed ground. Standing in front of the Tuskegee airplane I thought about my ancestors and the name of my high school alma mater, Charles Herbert Flowers Senior High School. Flowers was a Tuskegee airman and that reminded that I was meant to be here, this wasn’t a coincidence. Next I had a private meeting with Tuskegee’s eighth and first female President - President McNair. We had a great conversation and I really felt a sense of peace and joy while speaking with her. During our conversation her assistant interrupted us, but as she got up to answer the door I noticed a large portrait of Booker T. Washington on her wall. As I stared at the portrait I felt like he was saying “I’m proud of you young man.” I told my friends this and they laughed, but I really did lol.

Next I met with the honor students, professors and President McNair. I spoke for about 20 mins, ate, answered some questions and signed a few books. Then it was on to the main event where it was opened to the public. The event kicked off with a prayer from the pastor and a musical selection. I then took to the podium and spoke for 50 minutes. I spoke about my journey as a self published author, secrets about the book, my writing process, perseverance, STD’s, grief, staying focus, relationships and much more.The students then did a Q&A followed by a book signing while I also took pictures. During the book signing I met a young lady who said chapter three “Achieving While Grieving” was helping her heal. She had recently lost her best friend to a car accident this past October. I could feel her sadden spirit, I knew that look all too well because I too had lost my best friend in college. I gave her some advice and a warm hug. Moments like that keep me motivated. Multiple professors said my book was a hit on campus, especially for the students who didn’t like to read. The professors also loved how they could relate to the stories even reminding them of their college stories. Arriving back to Atlanta I looked up to God and and said a million thank you’s. I know that I’m making a difference and that I’m living in my purpose. To be invited to speak at such an historic campus was very humbling, but to meet so many students who said that my book is helping almost made me cry.

Two years ago I reached out to Ms. Sherry King and told her about my book, she had a few students read it and they loved it. I thought they were going to incorporate it that year, but it wasn’t time. The following year, Tuskegee followed up and chose A Lesson Learned for their common read. My book lecture was a part of the annual Lyceum series where multiple speakers visit Tuskegee to speak to the students. Other notable speakers who’ve visited for the Lyceum series are Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Cornell West and many more. I remember being required to attend Lyceum’s while at Johnson C. Smith University and now I’m the speaker at one. Thank you Ms. King, Dr. Harris and President McNair for your great hospitality and for believing in my book. TU!