Stay Woke: The Edward Waters University President’s Distinguished Speaker Series created by its’ president, was back on campus with featured guest speaker Grammy nominated rapper Rick Ross. The Adams-Jenkins Sports and Music Complex served as the backdrop for students eager to ask questions and gain insight into the mogul rappers life and business acumen.

Ross held an onstage dialogue and Q&A with EWC President Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr. and Communications Professor Rahman Johnson. Students stood in line to ask questions and take photos, as Ross posed and smiled with students, faculty and staff. Ross capped off the evening discussing his authored books, his memoir entitled, Rick Ross, ‎published in 2019 and his 2021 Best seller, The Perfect Day to Boss Up, an intimate look into ‘hustling,’ which references his 2006 hit rap song.  Ross also touched on his past life as a correctional officer, his health scare wake up call, prior arrests and feuds which have made his career a conduit for controversy and success.

The new initiative seeks to engage the views, ideas, and espoused ideals expressed by national thought leaders, authors, entertainers, activists, advocates, athletes, educators, business leaders, and opinion shapers who will be featured as a part of the series.

“We intend for this vehicle to serve as a platform to provoke meaningful discussion, reflective and critical thinking, and provide enriching insight and illumination into the critical issues of our time.”