Innovative educator to speak Sept. 30 at TCC Roper Center

Tidewater Community College presents an evening with Steve Perry, a nationally recognized speaker who brings a message of hope that produces positive change in individuals and families. Perry will speak on Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. at the Roper Performing Arts Center in downtown Norfolk. The event is free and open to the public.

Born into poverty to a young mother, Perry believes that the success of a life is determined by where you end, not where you start. It is this philosophy that inspired him to transform the lives of poor and minority children by providing them with access to a college education.

Featured in CNN’s “Black in America” series, Perry is the founder and principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn., a top school cited by U.S. News and World Report. Capital Prep has sent all of its predominantly low-income, minority, first-generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since the first class graduated in 2006.

A strong advocate of personal and civic responsibility, Perry emphasizes the social issues that aim at building up both the individual and the community. His calls to action are revealed in his new book, “Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve – Even if it Means Picking a Fight.”

Perry holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master of social work. He is an education contributor for CNN and MSNBC, an Essence Magazine columnist, best-selling author and host of the docudrama for TVONE, “Save My Son.”

For more information, call Terrence Bowers at 757-822-1985 or email tbowers@tcc.edu.