 Maria Davis |
SUNY Fredonia will welcome Maria Davis, an advocate in the fight against HIV and AIDS, as keynote speaker for its annual Black Student Union Diversity Conference (formerly known as the “People of Color Concerns Conference.”)
The event will be held Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. in Thompson Hall W101. Hors d’oeuvres will be served immediately following the presentation, and all components of the event are free and open to the public.
Ms. Davis will share her personal inspirational story of overcoming adversity, and her decision to dedicate her life to educating people and challenging them to learn from her life experiences.
Davis grew up in South Bronx, N.Y., in the Mott Haven Projects. Through her persistence and outgoing personality, by age 21 she had become a professional model. She later abandoned this career to pursue her true passion — music — and began a successful career in the entertainment industry, eventually becoming one of New York City’s premiere hip-hop promoters. She created, produced, directed and promoted a music showcase called, “M.A.D. Wednesdays” (creating a play-on-words with her initials as the acronym), which became legendary, highly sought-after venues for signed and unsigned R&B and hip-hop artists and comedians. Some of today’s biggest hip-hop superstars, such as Jay-Z and 50 Cent, got their start with her.
In 1995, Davis’ life took a devastating turn when she unknowingly contracted the HIV virus during a heterosexual relationship. She learned of her diagnosis following a routine blood test taken during the process of applying for a life insurance policy. While in the hospital near death, she says, a spiritual calling was revealed to her. Davis knew she had to devote her life to educating men, women and children about AIDS and the HIV virus. She does not consider herself a victim, but an activist who speaks to thousands of people every year about HIV/AIDS awareness.
Davis regularly speaks to educators, health care providers, ministers and social workers regarding HIV/AIDS awareness, having served as the keynote speaker for the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. In addition she speaks to colleges and universities and other organizations. She has also been a frequent media spokesperson for such organizations as “Life Beat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS,” “BET Rap it Up Community Service Outreach” and “World AIDS Day.” To stay current and connected with younger audiences, she appears regularly on MTV, BET, and various New York City-based radio and TV stations.
Davis has also been honored with numerous awards for her many contributions to the AIDS community, such as the 2002 New York Urban League Building Brick Award, the 2002 Women in Hip-Hop Award and 2002 Life Beat/Urban AID II Spirit Award, 2003 CBS Channel 2 Fulfilling the Dream Award, 2004 National Black Commission on AIDS Choose Life Award, Senator David Patterson 2006 Harlem Women Of Excellence Award, and Manhattan Borough President 2006 Trailblazer Award.
BSU is a student-run organization that strives to promote a feeling of unity and pride among black students and other members of the college community. It continually aims to improve cultural and social development, and currently has 45 members.
To learn more, contact the Center for Multicultural Affairs at 716-673-3398 or BSU President Kanacia James at kanijames23@gmail.com.
