By Kellie Audrain
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.–A civil rights icon and Emmy Award-nominated actress will be opening the UofA’s 2018-2019 Distinguished Lecture Series.
Laverne Cox will be delivering her famous lecture, “Ain’t I A Woman: My Journey to Womanhood,” at the Fayetteville Town Center on October 3 at 7 p.m.
“We are so excited to bring her as the first this year. We’ve talked about bringing her here for years and I’m just so excited to have her,” said Christine Carroll, chair of the Distinguished Lecturer’s committee.
Cox found fame with her role on Netflix’s original series, “Orange is the New Black,” where she played trans inmate Sophia Bursett. She was the first openly trans person to be nominated for an Emmy because of this role.
Cox has worked as a civil rights activist since her breakout role. She was the executive producer of the documentaries, “The T Word,” which followed the lives of trans youths, and “Free CeCe!” which tells the story of an imprisoned trans woman.
“The T Word” won Cox the Emmy Award for executive producing, making her the first trans person to win in that category.
The doors for the lecture will open at 6 p.m. and tickets are required. Students will have access to ticket reserves starting September 19.
Coinciding with Cox’s visit, there will be a “Free CeCe!” screening and discussion at the School of Law starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 4.