UN Association Chair to give keynote address at 2017 HCC Black History Scholarship Gala

Jan 12, 2017

The Honorable Teta V. Banks, the internationally known chair of the United Nations Association who works to educate, inspire and mobilize Americans to support the efforts of the UN, is the keynote speaker of the 2017 Houston Community College Black History Scholarship Gala.

The scholarship gala takes place 6 p.m., Saturday, February 25 at Hotel ZaZa, 5701 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005.

The theme of the 2017 scholarship gala is Thinking Globally, Acting Locally.

This year, the HCC scholarship gala takes a more worldly view of the plight of African Americans, and examines ways in which average citizens and college students can help improve the lives of underserved people around the world.

A Liberian-born college professor, writer, civil rights advocate and diplomat, Banks is the first person of African descent to be elected chair of the UNA in the organization’s 70-year history. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Banks’ family was heavily involved in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, and worked alongside such historic leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Rosa Parks.

Educated at Howard University and Wayne State University, Banks was appointed Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Liberia in 1993. She serves on boards focused on international affairs, and is the recipient of numerous awards for humanitarian service.

“We are delighted to have Mrs. Banks provide the keynote speaker at our 2017 scholarship gala,” says Michael Edwards, chair of the HCC Black History Committee. “She is a humble person with incredible insight into international matters. The information she will share with us is little known and will be extremely interesting.”

Tickets and more information may be obtained by visiting hccs.edu/blackhistory