Featured EventsOn and Off Campus

Valentino Achak Deng

Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.

The subject of Dave Egger’s What Is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng will speak at Lewis & Clark. One of Sudan’s “lost boys,” Valentino walked across Sudan at age 11 to escape the second Sudanese civil war. The book tells of his trying experiences during his journey to escape violence, including his numerous stays at refugee camps and his new life in America. He is being hosted by Lewis & Clark’s chapter of STAND, a Student Anti-Genocide Coalition, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Valentino met Dave Eggers in January 2003 in Atlanta, where Valentino had been living since his resettlement to the United States in 2001. He was already well known as a captivating public speaker and spokesman for the Sudanese community. After spending a weekend with Dave in Atlanta, Valentino asked him to help write his autobiography. He felt that his story could convey to the world the realities of what had happened in the civil war in southern Sudan, and its effect on the people there.

Early on, Valentino and Dave decided that any and all proceeds from the book would be controlled by Valentino and used to help the Sudanese community. Thus, the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation was created. Its focus is on providing better educational opportunities for the Sudanese both in southern Sudan and the U.S.

Valentino’s visit is sponsored by Lewis & Clark’s chapter of STAND, a Student Anti-Genocide Coalition. The event is co-sponsored by Office of Multicultural Affairs, Black Student Union, and Arts & Ideas.

When: November 10, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Agnes Flanagan Chapel

Cost: $10 general admission, free for members of the Lewis & Clark community

Contact: For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs, 503-768-7051