AMERICUS — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation earlier this month in the Convocation Hall of the Student Success Center. The keynote speaker was Shariah McKenzie Solomon, CNM, FNP-C, midwife at Mirian Worthy Women’s Health Center of Albany Area Primary Health Care.
Solomon is a native of Americus, and a 2008 graduate of Americus-Sumter High School. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2012, with a bachelor of science degree in psychology. She went on to pursue her passion, midwifery. She attended Emory University to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing and a master of science in nursing in midwifery and family practice. Solomon has a continuing commitment to advancing healthcare by cultivating new providers and combating maternal and infant mortality in Georgia. Her international experiences include providing preventative care in the Bahamas, assisting victims of sex trafficking, and volunteering with orphans in Ghana. Locally, she teaches birth classes for expecting mothers, and mentors young and upcoming providers.

Neal Weaver, Ph.D., GSW president, welcomed guests to the event and to GSW’s campus. Program attendees heard from the Americus Sumter High School Gospel Choir and the GSW Gospel Choir Praise Team. “Change begins with you,” Solomon stated keeping in tune with the theme, “Facing the Challenge of Change.” A luncheon, catered by Aramark, was held for program participants and ministers following the event.
The MLK Convocation is sponsored by GSW Student Affairs, Student Government Association, GSW National PanHellenic Council, SUAVE, SAAB, AAMI, and SABU.