World Languages Luncheon Honoring Miriam DeCosta-Willis

Educator and writer Miriam DeCosta-Willis has authored, edited, or co-edited more than fifteen books, including Daughters of the Diaspora: Afra-Hispanic Writers, Erotique Noire /Black Erotica, The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells, Notable Black Memphians, and Black Memphis Landmarks. She also co-founded the Memphis Black Writers' Workshop and taught at Owen and LeMoyne colleges, as well at the merged institution. In her forty-year career in education, she was the first Black faculty member at Memphis State University. She retired from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She also served as Professor of Spanish and Chair of Romance Languages at Howard University. Memphis Magazine has deemed her as a "local treasure." This second annual World Languages luncheon will celebrate Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis' legacy as a scholar, writer, activist and literary mother. CLA past president Antonio Tillis, CLA colleagues, and friends will pay tribute to Dr. DeCosta-Willis' literature, scholarship and activism.