2009 Atlas Week Keynote Speaker – Emmanuel Jal

The Keynote Speaker for the 2009 Atlas Week Signature Symposium will be Emmanuel Jal. He will deliver the Keynote Address, “From a Child of War to a Voice for Peace”, Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bush Student Center Ballroom.

Prior to the address, Emmanuel Jal will hold a book signing from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. of his newly released book, War Child: A Child Soldier’s Story. A private reception with Emmanuel Jal will be held following the Signature Symposium.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to AtlasReception2009@gmail.com. Spaces are limited, so preference will be given in the order received. Please respond no later than Wednesday, March 25th.

Read on to find out more about Emmanuel Jal and the Atlas Week events.

Once a child soldier on the front lines of combat in war-torn Sudan, Emmanuel Jal has been hailed as the “rising star of African hip hop.” Emmanuel Jal has won worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip hop with its message of peace and reconciliation born out of his own experience as a child soldier. Jal has quickly become an international icon representing social justice and human rights.

The theme for this year’s Atlas Program is “Voices Around the Globe: Words of Inspiration, Hope, Change, Resistance, and Transformation”. Emmanuel Jal offers a greater philosophical message about war and peace. He translates his traumatic past as a child soldier into a positive experience that reflects the strength of human character.

His lecture focuses on the power of human generosity, the need for political support in Darfur and what each of us can do to make a difference. Music is central to his message and at each appearance, Jal raps for freedom and sings for absolution.

There are more than 70 events planned for the week. To view a complete list of events, please visit atlas.slu.edu. All Atlas events are free and open to the public. If you would like more information, please contact Michelle Lorenzini at 977-3243 or lorenzms@slu.edu.

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