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ALBANY, GA -- Getting the right knowledge to African-American youth provided a central theme for a presentation designed to inspire freshmen and sophomore students at Albany State University to overcome the social challenges that will likely confront them.

“Reading is one of the most important things today’s students can do to avoid a future of trouble and to put their lives on the right track,” said Vernicia Malveaux, author of “A New ‘Black’ in America: Averting a Future of Social Ills,” in her lecture held in the ACAD Auditorium on Nov. 10.

Malveaux, who is currently the internet marketing manager at the Jimmy Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga., shared stories of the difficulties that confronted her as a young adult coming of age in Atlanta’s West End community. Malveaux discussed her challenges with finances, relationships and single motherhood. An advocate for the importance of self-esteem training, Malveaux urged ASU students to believe in themselves.

“I struggled with self-esteem issues,” she said. “I was constantly searching for something and I didn’t believe in myself.”

Malveaux, often referred to as a charismatic and passionate presenter, talked about the remedies for some of the 65 social ills she considers as major challenges for blacks in America today. Among the issues she discussed were career success, finances, and dating.

More than 300 Albany State University students, faculty, staff and guests were in attendance for the lecture. Immediately following the program, Malveaux participated in a book signing and meet-and-greet event in the ACAD Atrium.