More than 400 individuals – mostly seniors from every APS high school – attended the 13th Annual Joseph E. Lowery Lecture Series on Civic Engagement.
The lecture serves as a platform for high school students to listen, learn and engage with some of the nation’s outstanding community leaders and pioneers. Past lecturers include Dr. Bill Cosby, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, Judge Glenda Hatchett and Mayor Kasim Reed. 
This year V-103 radio personality and philanthropist Ryan Cameron delivered a keynote message that resonated with students because it was both humorous and uplifting. This was the first time Rev. Lowery and his family were unable to attend the event, which took place just a day after funeral services for his wife, Mrs. Evelyn Gibson Lowery.
Program participants and attendees made the occasion a celebration of the life and contributions of the Rev. and Mrs. Lowery as civil rights pioneers. 
Mr. Cameron concluded his remarks by announcing that he, along with members of the Therrell High School class of 1987, will pay for uniforms for the school’s basketball team.
Board Chair Reuben McDaniel and Associate Superintendent Steve Smith delivered words of encouragement. Also attending the event were board members LaChandra Butler Burks, Emmett Johnson and Cecily Harsch-Kinnane. 
Since its inception in 2001, the Lowery Lecture has inspired students by exposing them to dynamic, service-oriented leaders who have made a lasting and positive change in the world. The lecture series was developed by the Atlanta Board of Education in honor of Rev. Lowery’s 80th birthday. Rev. Lowery celebrated his 92nd birthday on October 6th.
Please visit the APS online media gallery to hear the event podcast and view more event photos.