Former journalist Cynthia Hardy will discuss the role of women in the media in a lecture on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at Coastal Carolina University.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Recital Hall of the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Building. The lecture is a part of the 2006 African-American Celebration at Coastal, which features various multicultural activities through April.

Hardy started her career in journalism at six years old when a Birmingham, Ala., radio announcer saw her perform on stage and invited her to be a regular contributor on his show. Hardy began her professional career with that same radio station, WENN, in 1982. She served as the morning drive news anchor and talk-show host when WENN was one of the only black-owned stations in the country. After spending nine months in radio, Hardy moved to ABC’s local television affiliate, WBRC, and was named the best reporter in Alabama in 1986 by United Press International.

Hardy is vice president for communications and program development with the National Urban League in Columbia. She serves as the group’s vice president for communications and program development. Her duties include launching statewide and community initiatives that impact public policy and affect social change. She is an alumna and member of the board of trustees for Columbia College and contributes a column for The State (Columbia) newspaper.

For more information call Coastal’s Office of Multicultural Student Services at (843) 349-2863.