By Edwin Smith

University of Mississippi

Eunique Jones, creator of the “Because of Them, We Can” campaign, is the keynote speaker for Black History Month observances at the University of Mississippi.

Jones’ address is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 13 in Fulton Chapel. Admission is free, but tickets must be obtained from the Ole Miss Box Office in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts beginning Feb. 6.

“Over the years, notable African-Americans such as Cornel West, Marian Wright Edelman, Michael Eric Dyson and Myrlie Evers-Williams have been invited to provide the Black History Month keynote address,” said Shawnboda Mead, director of UM’s Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement. “We believe Ms. Jones will be equally as dynamic and that she will provide a very memorable experience for everyone in attendance.”

Mead said she hopes that all members of the university community will take advantage of this opportunity to hear from Jones.

“In 2013, Eunique launched the ‘Because of Them, We Can’ campaign during Black History Month with a mission to empower the next generation to honor the legacy of their ancestors through their own individual pursuit of greatness,” Mead said. “The campaign went viral and is now considered to be one of the most prolific and virally successful black history campaigns of all time.

“As our university strives to be a leader in racial reconciliation and inclusivity, this year’s keynote address is a continuation of our educational efforts. Therefore, we look forward to engaging with Ms. Jones and learning more about the founding, as well as the guiding principles, of ‘Because of Them, We Can.’”