Sister Souljah entertained, while at the same time presenting a
strong message of coming together, to a crowd of students, faculty
and staff that packed the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium on Thursday,
Feb. 20.

Souljah was invited by the Black Student Alliance in conjunction
with the Great Issues Committee to be the keynote speaker of this
year’s Black History Month celebration.

Souljah, whose name means “fighting to bring back the essence of
God,” is an activist for African Americans. She is also a recording
artist, film producer and author of No Disrespect and The Coldest
Winter Ever.

Souljah spoke to the Saint Louis University community on the
role that African-American students have on a predominately white
college or university. She shared with the audience her experiences
of growing up on welfare and in government housing, but how she
didn’t let that stop her from becoming who she is today–a
well-balanced, reassured woman.

She believes that she has become that woman through her
self-education on African history. Souljah attended a predominantly
white university where she excelled in her studies and received
scholarships to study aboard.

Souljah inspired the audience to think not just of themselves
but to realize that the image one projects in addition to their
actions not only tells others who they are but also speaks for
their culture as well.

“You are representing the philosophy, culture and beliefs of
your people,” Souljah said. “You need to respect yourself and your
culture.”

Souljah’s overriding message is that we need to defend each
other and ourselves from the harsh realities of American
society.

She encouraged students to look at college as a business
opportunity to gain mastery and skills for the future.

Souljah’s message reminded her audience that everyone should
continue to build “a collective effort/unity among other black
students on campus,” said BSA President Chris Clark. “We should all
be there for each other, to lift them up instead of tear them
down.”

Souljah shared her beliefs on life and what she believes one
needs to survive in today’s society.

She ended with a rather strong message to the audience: “We are
all in this together,” she said. “But for African Americans, we
need to love ourselves unapologetically, challenge people who
challenge us, have organizations that are strong and sturdy [that]
protect our interest.”

“Souljah is a very inspiring and captivating speaker … made us
all re-evaluate ourselves and strive to become better people,”
Clark said.