Bertice Berry

Wednesday, October 15

8:15 a.m.

No one defies stereotypes or generalizations more than Dr. Bertice Berry, sociologist, author, scholar and comedienne. 

Growing up poor in Wilmington, Delaware, Berry was told by a high school teacher that she was "not college material".  Fortunately, there was another teacher who believed that she was destined for more.  Berry applied to several schools without any idea how she would pay the tuition if she was accepted.  The day her appplication arrived at Jacksonville University in Florida, a wealthy benefactor called the Admissions Department looking for a potential student "who could swim if they had the right backing."

Berry graduated magna cum laude from Jacksonville, and earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kent State University at age 26.  Berry taught sociology and statistics at Kent State, where she became one of the most popular teachers on campus, using humor to address such difficult subjects as racism and sexism. 

In 1991, Berry left Kent State to become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne, creating a niche as both a gifted speaker with a comic edge and a comic with a serious message. 

Berry has been the host and co-exectuive producer of her own nationally syndicated talk show, "The Bertice Berry Show," and has appeared on numerous other televison programs, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and ABC's "20/20".

Berry is also the author of an inspirational memoir, I'm On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head, and the hilarious bestsellers Straight from the Ghetto, You Might Be Ghetto If and the sequel You STILL Ghetto.  Berry has also written several works of fiction including Redemption Song, The Haunting of Hip Hop, Jim and Louella Homemade Heart-fix Remedy, and "When Love Calls, You Better Answer".  She has generously donated all royalties from the sale of her books to organizations that help families in transition, raise funds for scholarships and provide resource information to low-income families. 

Berry lives in Savannah, GA where she is active in the community.  "When you walk with purpose," Berry says, "you collide with destiny!"

Back to Keynotes page.