ASU Students Encouraged to Find Their Voice

By Christian Starkey/ASU Student Intern

Alabama State University hosted “Unmuted Voices,” an event celebrating women’s empowerment, on Tuesday, March 10, in the Ralph D. Abernathy Great Hall of Teachers.

Keynote speaker Leavie D. King III, the founder and CEO of CoachedUp, which is an organization that helps individuals empower themselves both personally and professionally through workshops, seminars and training programs, spoke to a packed room of students and encouraged them to speak up to gain a “can do” attitude.   

“Find your voice.  Your voice equals freedom,” said King. “Refuse to be silenced.”

King emphasized that if done the correct way, speaking up can transform your life – it can have a uplifting effect on your career, workplace happiness and impact relationships.   

“Courageous women in history like Shirley Chisolm, Maya Angelou, and Althea Gibson saw changes that needed to be made and didn’t hesitate to speak out on them,” King said. “They endured countless obstacles and discouragement to prove that they were equal to any man.”

The speaker challenged the audience of ASU students to be different from ordinary citizens. 

“Normal people don’t make history,” said King. “All changes start with one single person or action.” .

He encouraged the audience to not be afraid to be the kind of person that decides to make a difference at your job, in your community, or anywhere else. 

“I learned from the speaker to always speak up for yourself, and speak up for what you believe in,” said Ivry Hall, an ASU student majoring in business management.  “Don’t be like other people.”

Event highlights included singing performances from ASU students Aliyah Muhammad and Damonye Montgomery.