This content was published: January 10, 2011. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Comedian to highlight lighter side of life during MLK event
Photos and story by James Hill
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., you’re invited to hear and laugh with Debbie Wooten, comedian and motivational speaker, in her show “The Funny Side of Life: Overcoming Poverty, Alcoholism and Domestic Violence” from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19, MAHB 104, Cascade Campus. This event is free and open to the public.
Wooten has the enviable gift of taking the worst adversities and turning them into positives. She was born with scoliosis and spina bifida, then contracted polio at five months. As a child of the 1960s, white kids wouldn’t play with her because of her color and the black kids didn’t accept the fact that she was different. At age 8, Wooten met Dr. Martin Luther King at a civil rights rally in Chicago. He influenced her to realize that her color and physical ability are overshadowed by the content of one’s character.
Wooten, a mother of five, found her way out of poverty and adversity through humor. She is truly funny – a quality that enabled her to become a comedian. She has performed at schools, universities, corporate meetings and for the Washington State legislature in addition to opening for touring comedians. Debbie heard the word “CAN’T” her whole life. At an early age she decided to drop the “‘t” from can’t and look for the positives.
Sponsored by ASPCC and the Black Student Union.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »