After more than 10 novels and many tours, best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey will return to his alma mater and fraternity stomping grounds to enlighten an audience on his recent projects and talk on issues that face the black community.
Dickey, who joined the Kappa Eta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. here at The University of Memphis, will speak tonight at 7 p.m. in the Rose Theater for the fraternity's Night of Enlightenment.
"In (addition to) of being a renowned author, he is an alum of The University of Memphis," said Chase Rickman, president of the Kappa Eta chapter. "Because he has been around the same environment and community like us who are now attending the University, Dickey is a testament, especially to U of M students, that anyone can accomplish anything."
Over the years, Dickey has published a number of stories that have repeatedly turned up on a bestseller's list. His recent book "Genevieve," which is a story about love and a woman's quest to leave the past behind, placed ninth on the New York Times Bestseller's List in September.
His novels often address the ups and downs of "urban love," thus appealing to black readers.
Latoiyah Dansby, senior psychology major, said it is because of his fictional take on black relationships that she can relate to some of his stories.
"He is an excellent writer," Dansby said. "His books are very detailed and leaves nothing to the imagination."
The 1983 graduate did not heavily trod on his literary path at The U of M. After receiving his bachelor's degree in engineering technology, Dickey landed a job as a computer software developer in Los Angeles. But his previous experiences in upper and lower level English courses and comedic gigs sparked his interest in writing later in his life.
In 2001, the native Memphian made a trip home for the announcement of the Eric Jerome Dickey Library and Literary Enrichment Fund benefiting the University's Ned R. McWherter Library.
"For me growing up with no money, we just didn't have the money to buy books - and the library is always there," Dickey told The University of Memphis Magazine in 2002. "With the library fund, you can help a lot of people, some who may have the desire to do what I've done."
The fraternity's Night of Enlightenment lecture is traditionally given by a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, who has changed the lives of African-Americans on a regional or national level. The program is one of many of the educational aspects the organization tries to provide during their semi-annual interest week.
