The aunt of President Barack Obama, Zeituni Onyango, will visit the Newark campus of Essex County College next week. 

The free program, sponsored by the college’s Humanities Division, will be held in Siegler Hall, from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 6.

Onyango’s talk will focus on her personal experiences with domestic abuse, immigration matters, homelessness, racism and race relations, the struggle to empower women, and growing up in the home of the father of President Obama in Kenya.

Onyango will also discuss her book, Tears of Abuse. She is referenced as “Auntie Zeituni” in President Obama’s memoir Dreams from My Father.

“Her message is one of educational empowerment for young people,” said Mikal N. Nash, a history instructor and coordinator of ECC’s Associate degree Africana Studies Program.  “She feels very strong about literacy in Africa and the importance of bringing resources to all the young people of Africa, both female and male.”

 Onyango’s visit to ECC is two days before International Women’s Day, which has been observed since 1911 throughout the world.  The United Nations also observes International Women’s Day. This year’s UN theme is “A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women.” 

Additional information on this program is available from Mr. Nash, who can be contacted at 973-877-3489 or via email here.