2001 MLK Convocation
The Keynote speaker for 2001 Martin Luther King convocation celebration will be Dr. Barbara Reynolds.

Dr. Barbara Reynolds is a nationally syndicated columnist distributed by Creators Syndicate. Her voice and opinions reach millions around the world.

She recently authored her third book, the best-selling, "No I Won't Shut Up". This book was featured prominently on the popular TV show, "Politically Incorrect" and the nationally syndicated show, "Word on Words."

A native of Columbus Ohio, Reynolds began her journalism career after graduating with a BA degree from Ohio State University in 1966. Although she had been told by a college professor that she would "not make it as a journalist because she is a Negro woman". Dr. Reynolds refused to accept this negative description of her future and went on to begin a successful journey in the world of journalism.

She was soon writing numerous freelance articles for a variety of major magazines including Essence, the New Republic, Encore and Black Family. She then went on to co-found Dollars & Sense, a progressive periodical for black professionals that now has a circulation of more than 300,000.

In high demand as a freelance writer, Dr. Reynolds founded Reynolds News Service in 1981. Two of her major clients included National Public Radio where she aired political commentaries and the Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation where she won a CEBA Award (Communications Excellence to Black Audiences).

Among her awards are the Top 100 Business and Professional Women's Award for Outstanding Journalism, the Fanny Lou Hamer, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award, and the President's Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.

As a television commentator, Reynolds analyzes current news events on "Evening Exchange" on WHMM-TV. She has also been a regular panelist on CNN and served as a consultant to NBC-TV on the O.J. Simpson trial.

No, I Won't Shut-Up: 30 Years of Telling It Like It Is, the newest book by Reynolds, is a collection of her writings spanning her 30-year career. She is currently writing her fourth book, The Memoirs of Coretta Scott King, in addition to serving as the editor of Purpose magazine, hosting WPGC�s Healing Moments, and hosting her own news analysis talk radio show, Barbara�s Beat.

Dr. Reynolds speaks on numerous topics, including black leaders and role models, affirmative action, religious rights issues, and the role of media, as well as objectives for ethical leadership in the 21st century.

Dr. Reynolds, an ordained minister, recently received her doctorate in ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She directs a drug and alcohol deliverance ministry for female drug abusers in Washington, DC.