GREENSBORO, N.C. - Kevin Powell, a poet, journalist and political activist, will be the keynote speaker for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Annual Martin Luther Kings Jr., Commemorative Convocation. The convocation will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, in Harrison Auditorium.

Powell will discuss the topic "Looking for Martin: Is His Dream Still Relevant?" Powell is the former senior writer for Vibe magazine and a regular contributor to the New York Times Magazine, Essence and Rolling Stone. He is perhaps best known for his stint as a cast member on the first season of MTV's hugely successful series "The Real World" (New York City). He has emerged as the leading journalistic voice of his generation. His insights on the politics and culture of he HipHop Generation have been aired on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS and the BBC. Powell has been quoted in such publications as Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Village Voice.

At Vibe magazine, Powell established himself as a journalistic authority on youth issues with his acclaimed features on Death Row Records and practical advice about how to raise boys today. His controversial takes on the American social landscape is laid out in essay form in his book Keepin' It Real--Post MTV Reflections on Race, Sex and Politics.