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Jordan High School to launch Distinguished Speaker Series
Jordan High School will be hosting a Distinguished Speaker Series starting with Durham native and Jordan High alumnus George Masao Yamazawa, Jr. on Thursday, Feb. 16. Yamazawa is widely considered one of the top young spoken word artists in the country, who goes by the stage name “G.”
The series is the brain-child of Jordan social studies teacher Brian McDonald. He wanted to replicate the speaker series he discovered as a college student at Elon University. Being exposed to famous people such as former presidents, queens and social activists was an important part of his education and hopes to give Jordan students the same experience.
Yamazawa will be followed by Charmaine McKissick, an associate professor and Interim Chairwoman of the Department of Mass Communication at N.C. Central University on Feb. 28.
In March, two locals will be featured, author and historian Tim Tyson (March 15) and Barbara Lau, director of the Pauli Murray Project, (March 28).
The series will wrap up on April 20 with U.S. Rep. David Price, D-N.C., who represents the state’s Fourth District that includes parts of Durham, Alamance, Orange, Wake, Harnett, Chatham and Cumberland counties.
The speaker series has been made possible with a significant donation from a Jordan parent who McDonald said wants to remain anonymous.
“Mr. [Brian] McDonald has put together a stellar group of diverse speakers that will excite and engage our students, families and community,” L’Homme said. “Having just one of these speakers would be noteworthy. Having all five is spectacular.”
All five speaking engagements are scheduled to begin on the Jordan High campus at 7 p.m. They are free and open to the school community of students, families, faculty and alumni.