Some students in the audience of “Blackademically Speaking” did not know what to expect before Chandra Gill’s lecture Thursday.

Andrea Grant, a first year graduate student, said that she wanted a get a fresh look at information that she already knew.

“I’m hoping (the lecture) is a recharge of information,” Grant said. “(African Americans) have to know our history to know where we’re going, but we also need a destination as well.”

Gill used poetry, life stories, and motivational advice with interjections of history as it applies to African American culture during her lecture.

Gill had the audience of “Blackademically Speaking” paying attention. Gill spoke about courage and the importance of sacrifice.

“Know how to say no,” Gill said. “Know who to say no to. Know when enough is enough.”

Gill had the crowd laughing just as much as she had them thinking with examples from her life and verbal wake up calls.

“There’s a crime taking place.” Gill said. “It’s a crime for your mind.”

She presented the audience with problems within African American culture and she made it her mission to present solutions.

“I don’t believe in just talking about the problem without giving you some solutions,” Gill said.

She peppered her lecture with historical references and connections to African American heritage. She used African American history to demonstrate to the audience the importance of courage, integrity and ingenuity.

Her message also included the importance of thinking for oneself.

She closed to a standing ovation and the audience was left thinking.

Demetre Taylor, a freshman communication studies major, said he was looking for the lecture to give him a push.

“(I want) motivation for excellence in everyday life,” Taylor said.

Bri Willis, a junior family and consumer sciences major, said the lecture inspired her to do more.

“I think I’m going to do more to help my people progress and help myself be better,” Willis said. “I think we can all be better. It has to start somewhere.”

Jazmine Thompson, a junior sociology major, said that she was touched by the lecture.

“It touched a lot of things in my personal life,” Thompson said.

Mesha Perkins, an Eastern alum, said that Gill surpassed her expectations.

“I was expecting a speaker, and she was way more than that,” Perkins said.

Elijah Muhammad, a senior family and consumer sciences major, said he was definitely motivated.

“(Gill) definitely confirmed the beliefs I have,” Muhammad said. “I’m glad I came.”

Felicia Darnell can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].