Native American actor to discuss empowerment

A member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma who is an actor and entrepreneur will give a presentation November 8 as part of the Professionals of Color Lecture Series. 

Gary "Litefoot" Davis' presentation, "Empower Yourself, Empower Your Community," will take place November 8 from 5-6 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2250.

Davis began his career in 1991 as a rap artist. He toured internationally and received honors including Album of the Year and Artist of the Year from the Native American Music Awards. His music has appeared in major motion pictures and he has starred in films such as "The Indian in the Cupboard," "Mortal Kombat," and "The Song of Hiwatha." He has also had roles in "House of Cards" and "CSI Miami." 

Davis currently serves as executive director of the Native American Financial Services Association in Washington, D.C., an organization that advocates for tribe sovereignty and economic opportunity for tribal communities.  

The annual Professionals of Color Lecture Series is organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Grand Valley. The next lecture will take place February 8 with a lecture by Samuel Museus, associate professor of higher education and student affairs at Indiana University Bloomington. Museus is the founding director of the Culturally Engaging Campus Environments Project. 

Davis' visit is planned in conjunction with Grand Valley's Native American Heritage Celebration. See more events at www.gvsu.edu/oma.