That will change when Harper gives his keynote address at 7 p.m. today in the University of Wyoming Arts and Sciences Auditorium. His speech, the main event of the Martin Luther King Days of Dialogue, will not be a behind-the-podium traditional lecture. The address will last between 30 to 45 minutes, Harper said.
Harper said his speech will focus on King’s legacy and his message of individual empowerment and personal responsibility. King is a great inspiration and his level of courage and commitment is amazing, Harper said. The word “courage” and all of its meanings is especially important to Harper and will be emphasized during his speech, he said. The event is free and open to the public.
Harper’s newest book, “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place,” focuses on the fact that wealth is not just about a bank account, Harper said. Wealth is about love and legacy and the choices people make in life, he said. Most people follow the societal definition of wealth, which has a very limited meaning, he said.
Harper never intended to become a best-selling author, he said. His career as a writer began after fielding questions from a lot of young men led him to write his first book, “Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny.” The book sold so well that Harper decided to continue writing in addition to acting, he said.
Photos: Courtesy
Now, Harper travels the country and gives speeches at many universities and non-profit organizations, he said. He also participates in a lot of book signings.
Perhaps most well known for his role as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes in the TV show, “CSI: NY,” Harper said he has no current plans for a new book or acting role, but he is constantly researching new topics.
Harper met President Obama while attending Harvard University and since then, the two have remained close friends.
Harper said he most recently performed as Master of Ceremonies at an Obama fundraiser last week in Chicago. During the Obama campaign in 2008, Harper campaigned for Obama and gave him his full endorsement.
Harper also founded the non-profit youth organization, Manifest Your Destiny Foundation. The organization’s mission is to “provide underserved youth a path to empowerment and educational excellence through academic programming, college access skills and personal development,” according to the MYD website.
Many upcoming MYD events will be at universities across the country and can be found by visiting the website at www.manifestyourdestiny.org.
