Intentionality, Self-Care, Balance and More Resonated During 'Protecting My Peace' Speaker Series Conversation

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 2, 2025) – The spring Chancellor’s Speaker Series at North Carolina A&T State University kicked off with a sold-out crowd at Harrison Auditorium, on Feb. 20. Three great panelists, actors and entrepreneurs Miles Brown, Marsai Martin and Marcus Scribner, along with moderator, alumnus Kimberly Jackson, held a round robin style conversation surrounding the event’s theme “Protecting My Peace.”

With an overarching sense and mood of inspiration and care, the effortless conversation easily swayed through relevant topics such as intentionality, emotional and mental balance, establishing boundaries, stress relief, self-care, self-worth and more, with each topic visibly resonating highly with the audience nearly full of college students.

Jackson entered the stage, welcomed guests and opened the conversation to the tune of “Luther,” by hip hop and R&B artists Kendrick Lamar and SZA, a mashup/remix of the late musical artist Luther Vandross’ “If This World Were Mine.”

Responding to the crowd’s cheers, Jackson said, “Yes! ‘If this world were mine,’ are powerful lyrics! They speak to a sense of control and protection, almost like a dream world where everything can be shaped in your favor—where your dreams are amplified and even your enemies are confronted with truth.”

The conversation began with one simple, yet profound question: Are you intentional about protecting your peace? The response was a resounding, yes! From developing routines of relaxation to being mindful and deliberate regarding the people allowed within personal spaces.

“It’s important to feel protected around the people you have around yourself,” said Brown.
“Sticking with the same people I’ve always been around. Whether it’s my family or whomever is important. I know not everyone has my best interest at heart. You have to be careful and specific about your circle.”

When it comes to setting boundaries, Martin says it wasn’t a difficult task.

“I knew from a young age that my peace was at home. The boundaries that I set happened naturally. The more I journaled, the more I realized I was already developing my safe spaces. It started with me learning to say, ‘no,’ because I would say yes to everything especially if it were something that I thought my team wanted me to do,” said Martin. “I quickly learned the things that I need to do for myself and what keeps me happy. That is my ultimate priority.”

Among the final thoughts, Scribner encouraged the audience to understand that peace includes self-acceptance and imperfections, knowing the importance of holding your head up and moving forward.