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2006 Annual Conference Keynote Speaker
Dr. Bertice Berry
Sociologist, Author, Lecturer, Educator
No one defies stereotypes, generalizations or clichés more than Dr. Bertice Berry. Growing
up poor in Wilmington, Delaware, the sixth of seven children, Bertice was told by a high
school teacher that she was "not college material". Fortunately, there was another teacher
who believed that she was destined for more. Berry applied to several schools without any
idea how she would pay the tuition if she were accepted. The day her application arrived
at Jacksonville University in Florida, a wealthy benefactor called the Admissions Department
looking for a potential student "who could swim if they had the right backing," and might
sink without it.
Bertice not only graduated magna cum laude from Jacksonville where she was awarded the
President's Cup for leadership, she subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kent
State University at the age of 26. Dr. Berry taught sociology and statistics at Kent and
demonstrated that she knew a few things about humor, as well. She became one of the most
popular teachers at the university; so popular, in fact, larger lecture halls had to be
found to accommodate the ever-increasing number of students. "A colleague said to me,
'You're funny’, and I said, 'No I'm not, I'm a scholar," recounts Dr. Berry. It was then
that she realized by using humor in her lectures to address such difficult subjects as
racisms and sexism she was making a more profound impact.
Shortly thereafter, Berry left Kent to become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer, and
comedienne. From 1991 through 1994 she won the coveted national Comedian of the Year Award
and was also named Campus Lecturer of the Year and Campus Entertainer of the Year. She had
created a niche as both a gifted speaker with a comic edge and a comic with a serious message.
Her busy schedule included over 200 appearances a year.
Berry was the host and co-executive producer of her own nationally syndicated talk show,
"The Bertice Berry Show," and hosted "USA Live," a four-hour live interview and entertainment
show on the USA Cable Network. She's been featured on numerous other television programs,
including appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and
more recently on ABC’s "20/20".
Dr. Bertice Berry is also the best-selling author of an inspirational memoir, I'm On My Way, But
Your Foot Is On My Head, and the hilarious bestsellers Sckraight From the Ghetto, You Might Be
Ghetto If and the sequel You STILL Ghetto. Her first work of fiction, Redemption Song, published
by Double Day in 2000, is also a Best-seller and has been praised by critics for its’ ability to
entertain, inspire and educate. Berry followed Redemption Song, with another bestseller, The
Haunting of Hip Hop and took her readers on a journey to the other side. In August 2002, she
released her most passionate work ever with Jim & Louella Homemade Heart-fix Remedy, a tantalizing
yet spiritual tale that has won several awards. Berry’s wit and wisdom shine through in her novel
about looking for love in all the wrong places – and with all the wrong people, "When Love Calls,
You Better Answer"; released the summer of 2005. A gifted and accomplished singer, she soothes the
heart and spirit with her soon to be released CD, "Breathe", a delicate mix of meditation and song.
Her next book bridges the past with the future and is more personal – tracing the history of her
family – and is scheduled for release in the fall of 2007.
Dr. Berry believes that community involvement is not limited to just "writing a check" and has taken
a very active role in supporting organizations that benefit those in need. She has graciously donated
all of the royalties from the sales of her books to organizations that help families in transition,
raise funds for scholarships, and provide resource information to low-income families.
Despite all of her honors and achievements, Dr. Berry is most proud of becoming the "instant mother"
to her sister's four young children. She lives in Savannah, GA where she is active in the community.
"When you walk with purpose," Berry says, "you collide with destiny!"
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