CeeLo Green Kicks off Lecture Series at Paine College
‘Historicity: A View into the Artist's Creative DNA'

Five-time Grammy Award-winning Artist CeeLo Green is set to deliver the first in a series of lectures to Paine College students at the onset of the academic 2022 spring semester. Paine College appointed CeeLo Green Distinguished Artist-in-Residence in October 2021 and under the agreement, CeeLo will present a variety of topics and give students the opportunity to ask questions. The first lecture in the series entitled "Historicity" will examine the artist's DNA and how his background impacted his work and creative flow. CeeLo's lecture will occur January 27, 2022, just two weeks prior the College's 140th Homecoming and Founders' Anniversary Celebration. In support of the College's UNCF Scholarship Campaign, CeeLo Green will perform during the coveted Presidential Scholarship Gala and Masked Ball on Friday, February 11, 2022.

Dr. Nancy Bookhart, Chair of the Department of Humanities, said, "Everyone has a history—a genetic root and DNA that directly and indirectly shapes who we are and ultimately who we become. Historicity examines the environment—family and community out of which Ceelo's childhood aspirations were planted and developed". Dr. Bookhart will render academic support and oversight for the lecture series throughout Ceelo's tenure at Paine.

The artist's first lecture will be closed to the public. The soulful singer/songwriter emphasized that he wanted to have a meaningful conversation with students without the influx of media and the public. "I want to ‘connect' with students in their environment barring public distractions. Students should feel free to express themselves and depart each session feeling empowered with minds elevated," commented CeeLo.

In addition to giving lectures, CeeLo promised to assist with recruiting students, fundraising, and re-launching the Paine College Choir. Although the lecture is targeted for Paine students, the College extended an invitation to a small group of high school students to attend and meet the Artist.

Students, faculty, and staff will be required to register to attend the session, take a temperature check, and present a valid Paine College I.D. at the door. Seats are limited. The College will adhere to social distancing and all attendees will wear masks during the event. For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 706.821.8323 or email Helene Carter at Hcarter@paine.edu.

About Paine College
Paine College, located in Augusta, Georgia, is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) founded in 1882. Accredited by Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) to offer baccalaureate degrees, Paine offers a liberal arts education to students regardless of race, gender and religious background. Founded by Black and White Methodists, Paine is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church. A UNCF-member school, Paine was voted among Georgia's top Christian colleges by EdSmart for three consecutive years. In 2020, the Augusta National Golf Club established a historic partnership with Paine that generated the Lee Elder Endowed Scholarship which will underwrite the new Women's Golf Program and underwrite scholarships for men and women golf athletes.