Author and comedian, both Stephens alumnae, return for Black History Month

COLUMBIA — Comedian Karith Foster and author Lyah Beth Leflore, alumnae of Stephens College, are returning to campus over the next week for events during Black History Month.

"Both of these women are strong African-American role models," said Sara Cendon Fernandez, media relations manager at Stephens. 

The celebration of black history is being intertwined with the empowerment of women, which is a guiding principal at Stephens.

“Karith and Lyah are highly successful black women who have remained connected to Stephens through the years," said Mary Hassinger, vice president for academic affairs. "The celebration of Black History Month presented a great time to invite both of them back to campus to share their talents and stories with our students.”

On Friday, Foster will give a comedy show for Stephens students and the public. On Sunday, she will be the guest speaker at "Stephens Unplugged," a vespers program that is closed. But that same evening, the public can attend her presentation, "Keys for Being an Extraordinary Leader." While she is in Columbia, she will also perform at the Deja Vu Comedy Club.

On Tuesday, Leflore will speak with students about book publishing. In the evening, she will give a reading from her third novel, "Wildflowers," which was published in the fall. She will then sign copies of her books.

Stephens Campus Life Unleashed and the Martin Luther King Student Union are two of the main organizations responsible for arranging the visits.

"We are very lucky to have them as role models for our students," said Kat Thomas, adviser for Campus Life Unleashed.