Award-winning Journalist Tony Brown will speak at Baton Rouge High | Events

BATON ROUGE -- Cox Communications is proud to partner with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, John G. Daniel Productions, Unity Day Youth and Family Zone, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Southern University Baseball Coach Roger Cador and Cox Southeast Region’s Diversity Council to bring award winning journalist and best-selling author Tony Brown to Baton Rouge.

 He will visit Baton Rouge as part of a Black History Month celebration.  Brown will address a select group of East Baton Rouge students as well as open a “Black History Time Capsule.”

Brown formerly hosted Tony Brown's Journal, one of the longest running syndicated programs on PBS. He has  interviewed countless history-makers and produced numerous impactful documentaries focusing on significant subjects such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. He is also the author of several books including the best-seller What Mama Taught Me and served as the first and founding dean of Howard University's School of Communications.

The event is set for Tuesday, February 26, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Baton Rouge Magnet High School.  It is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to email their RSVP to tonybrown@cox.com.

In addition to telling his story, Brown will be joined by Dr. Alcus G. Cromartie – a Tuskegee Airman who was the former Chief of Technical Operations in the development of the Star Wars project for the Department of Defense as well as one the primary developers of the Space Shuttle.   Brown personally invited Dr. Cromartie so that he could interact with students and share his own motivational story.

“We are honored to host a visit to Baton Rouge by two symbols of living history,” Cox’s Jacqui Vines says. “To be able to connect Baton Rouge high school students to these amazing individuals is a great educational experience and a special opportunity for our community.”

In addition to Brown’s career retrospection, the event will include a panel discussion involving civic and community leaders as well as a multimedia Black History presentation.

WAFB’s Michelle McCalope will serve as mistress of ceremonies.  Unity Day Youth and Family Zone President and Founder John Daniel will moderate the panel discussion and “question and answer” session following Brown’s presentation.

Panelists include:

• Louisiana State Senator Sharon Weston Broome
• East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux
• Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Adam Knapp
• University of Phoenix Director of Academic Affairs Lee Melancon
• Cox Southeast Region Senior Vice President and General Manager Jacqui Vines.

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