Pepperdine University Welcomes Christopher Singleton for Larry Donnell Kimmons Memorial Lecture: ‘Walking with God through Adversity’
February 28, 2023 – Malibu, CA – Pepperdine University will welcome former Cubs player
and inspirational speaker, Chris Singleton, as the featured speaker at the Larry Donnell
Kimmons Memorial Lecture on March 14 at 6:30 PM PST, where he will discuss the importance
of spiritual grounding amid tragedy.
The Larry Donnell Kimmons Memorial Lecture Series demonstrates Pepperdine University's
enduring commitment to honoring the life of Larry Donnell Kimmons while also uplifting
the power of remembrance to advance justice, peace and reconciliation. Made possible
by the Office for Community Belonging and Pepperdine Libraries, this lecture series
takes place each year on or near the anniversary of Kimmons’ death and presents speakers
who will explore diverse and faith-grounded perspectives on social justice.
Singleton is a former professional athlete drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Following
the loss of his mother, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, in the racially motivated
mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, that claimed
the lives of nine Black parishioners in 2015, Singleton became an inspirational speaker
and best-selling author who has shared his message of unity and racial reconciliation
with NFL and NBA teams; more than 100 organizations, including multiple Fortune 500
companies across the country; and 30,000 students annually.
“I am so excited to host Chris Singleton here at Pepperdine because he is a living example of how God can sustain one through tragedy to triumph,” said J. Goosby Smith, Vice President for Community Belonging and Chief Diversity Officer at Pepperdine. “Mr. Singleton’s outlook on unifying us across differences is equally remarkable and credible given his personal experience with racially motivated violence. He is an inspirational beacon of light, revealing how God holds us close through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Learn more about The Larry Donnell Kimmons Memorial Lecture Series and register for the event here.
About Pepperdine University
Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university located
30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in scenic Malibu, California. The University
enrolls approximately 10,300 students across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the Caruso School of Law; the Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian
values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
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