Netflix star speaks at CSUB

"Dear White People" actress gives digital lecture

By California State University, Bakersfield

April 9^th, 2020

Ashley Blaine Featherson, star of the acclaimed Netflix series “Dear White People,” a searing, humorous take on race relations at an Ivy League college, will deliver a special lecture for CSUB and the greater Bakersfield community via Zoom, according to the Kegley Institute of Ethics (KIE) at California State University, Bakersfield. In arranging the lecture by the actress, the Kegley Institute is responding to student requests for a continuation of stimulating programming from the KIE, which has facilitated thought-provoking conversation for 34 years and welcomed dozens of national figures to inspire and challenge our community.

The special lecture, titled “Turning Your Trials Into Triumphs,” is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 23 and is free and open to the public through Zoom thanks to the sponsorship of the CSUB Office of the Provost, the Kegley Family, Kaiser Permanente and Adventist Health Bakersfield, and Valley Strong Credit Union.

Dr. Michael D. Burroughs, KIE director noted, “In line with our KIE mission, we are excited to host this inspirational talk for our CSUB students and greater community during this trying time. With the continuing need for social distancing, we hope that this event will contribute to a feeling of coming together as one community.”

Dr. Burroughs also expressed thanks to a special committee of CSUB faculty, staff and students who helped to develop the event, including Dr. Debra Jackson, Dr. Rhonda Dugan, Dr. Nate Olson, Faust Gorham, Emily Callahan, Rechima Dean, Brittany Johnson, Norma Hernandez and Olly Lopez-Beltran.

A force of talent on screen, Featherson is an actress, singer, and producer who brings that same level of passion and energy to her off-screen messages of empowerment, hard work, and self-discovery and acceptance.

Though she notes that positivity does not come easily, especially as a black actress, Featherson's positivity is infectious and is felt in every interaction with her. She attributes her confident outlook on life due to divine alignment with her purpose: Changing the world through her artistry and serving as a resource for women of color.

Recognizing a lack of mirrors for girls of color, Featherson also co-created the groundbreaking web series “Hello Cupid,” alongside Emmy-winner Lena Waithe. Vulture selected “Hello Cupid” as one of the best web series of 2014 and The Boston Globe went further, declaring the series, and Featherson, deserving of Emmys. In 2019, Featherson again stood out and was hailed for her starring role in the Macro produced series, “Leimert Park,” at Sundance.

Featherson received her bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater from Howard University, and she currently resides in Los Angeles.

The Zoom event link for this lecture is available here, as well as on all KIE social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) in advance of the event date. For additional information, please contact KIE at ethics@csub.edu.