A packed Lee Hall auditorium listened in anticipation, as renowned radio and TV broadcaster, political activist and author, Tavis Smiley spoke on taking advantage of life and becoming a leader."The distance between the womb and the tomb isn't that long," Smiley said. "What does that mean? It means that everyone here is sitting on death row and we need to take advantage of this gift called life."
Smiley's visit to FAMU was the first stop on his Talented TENth Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Tour.
"I created this tour to enlighten, encourage, and empower students to think about what their own leadership legacy will be," said Smiley. "That is what they can do today that will echo throughout their communities, careers, and ultimately throughout history. I'm convinced that the students who attend these institutions of higher learning are the scholars, the exceptional – the leaders of the future. They possess the courage and talent to set the standard for the next generation of leadership for our country."
The name of the tour comes from W.E.B. DuBois' theory concerning the amount of African-American leaders in the U.S. According to DuBois, only one-tenth of the African-American community can and will obtain the knowledge to uplift and lead the race. Smiley's discussion focused on the characteristics of successful role models in the areas of business, public service, religion and academia.
The other four stops Smiley will make on his tour are at North Carolina A&T University, Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University and Tennessee State University.
Smiley's definition of a leader is one he borrows from, who he considers to be the most intellectual black man in the U.S., Cornel West.
"You can't lead people if you don't love the people," Smiley said. " You can't save people if you don't serve the people. So you have to ask, what's the depth of your love and what's the quality of your service."
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