ESU Bonner and Bonner lecture to explore sustainable advocacy
Emporia, KS (02/21/2025) — Emporia State University will host the annual Bonner and Bonner Diversity Lecture series on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. The presentation will be in the Preston Family Room on the second floor of the Memorial Union. A reception will follow in the Alumni Lounge.
Keynote speakers AJ Locashio and Sarah Phelps will present on the advocate lifecycle and the role of community care in sustaining activism and engagement. Attendees will learn about the increasingly challenging social and economic climate, how advocates are burning out faster than ever before and tools to keep their advocacy focused, healthy and collaborative.
Sarah Phelps is a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ, disabled and BIPOC communities. She has founded several advocacy organizations and is a sought-after organizational wellness educator, leadership coach and keynote speaker. AJ Locashio is the founder and executive director of Umbrella US and a fierce disruptor and advocate for the neurodivergent and disabled communities.
The event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. The Bonner and Bonner Lecture series was named in honor of Drs. Thomas and Mary Bonner who were ESU's first and second African American faculty members. The event is sponsored by the ESU Honors College; Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; University Libraries and Archives; Intercultural Center; Union Activities Council; Social Change and Student Accessibility and Support Services.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
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Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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