EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Michigan activist, educator and recording artist Mama Sōl has been selected as the keynote speaker for Eastern Michigan University College of Education Fall Dean EduTalk, an interactive workshop, on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 4  to 6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom B.  All EMU students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. 

“Mama Sōl can captivate any audience with her radiant spirit,” said Rod Wallace, EMU program director of Upward Bound. “Seeing her speak during a Juneteenth event in Ann Arbor this past year, Mama Sōl was electrifying to hear all the important messages she conveyed to educators and students.”

This workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to reflect, create, build, and integrate their self-images using tactics provided by Mama Sōl, who urges her audiences to see beyond their circumstances and to choose solutions that are for a greater purpose. 

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Mama Sōl made it her life’s work to motivate and assist people, especially in her home community. As a graduate of EMU, Mama Sōl obtained her degree in psychology with a minor in sociology in 1996.

 “EMU was my launchpad into adulthood,” said Mama Sōl. “I learned time management and how to build lifelong relationships with many people from many places, and I’ve learned the importance of individuality.”

Mama Sōl hopes attendees can take away a few life lessons from her presentation, including the importance of individuality. “Your path is tailored to your soul. It may not look like others expect, but your only job in this life is to create you,” she added. 

Mama Sōl was the voice of the 2021 Detroit Pistons “We Hustle Different” campaign, serving as a powerful message to the city of Detroit, its beloved team, and die-hard fans. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, publisher, and single mother, Mama Sōl speaks profoundly about her life experiences to her audiences. Through her love of lyrics, rhythm, and music, she educates those listening to spread self-love, self-respect, and the importance of individuality.

“Those who come out to listen to Mama Sōl at this EduTalk can gain a rich, insightful experience of listening to such a motivational activist and educator like Mama Sōl on campus,” said Wallace. 

For more information about EMU College of Education’s Fall Dean EduTalk, contact Rod Wallace rwallac5@emich.edu. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today