Illinois State University Hosts Singer, Songwriter, Producer John Forté

Singer, songwriter and producer John Forté will be the featured speaker at Illinois State University's Black History Month cultural dinner on Monday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom.

Tickets for the dinner and program are $15.25 for the general public and $12 for Illinois State students, faculty and staff. Campus Dining meal plan participants can purchase a ticket with one meal swipe. Tickets can be purchased at the Watterson Commons, Marketplace at Linkins and Southside in Feeney dining centers from Monday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Feb. 7.

Forté is a classically-trained violinist and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer. Famous for his work with the multi-platinum group The Fugees, he is also a highly respected artist in the hip-hop world, having shared the stage with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and The Roots. A drug conviction landed Forté in a federal penitentiary for seven years. He was released from prison when his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush in 2008. Upon his release, he resumed his career by recording songs, writing a book and working with children of incarcerated parents. During his presentation at Illinois State, Forté will share his acoustic music and speak candidly about his conviction and imprisonment and his path to redemption.

The event will also feature a delicious dinner by Campus Dining Executive Chef Phil Cade, musical entertainment by Soft Spoken, door prizes and an autograph session with Forté following the dinner.

The event is sponsored by University Housing Services, Association of Residence Halls, Campus Dining Services, Hewett Manchester Student Association and East Campus Unity.

To hear a message from Forté, click on audio file.