Journalist Soledad O’Brien delivered the March 26 keynote address for MTSU’s celebration of National Women’s History Month.

The award-winning broadcaster, best known for her documentary work with CNN,explained that being the daughter of a white Australian father and a black Cuban mother, who united at a time when interracial marriage was illegal, gave her an appreciation for standing her ground when challenged.

You can view a video excerpt of O’Brien’s speech below.

O’Brien hosted and produced acclaimed documentary series on diversity for CNN as well, including “Black in America,” “Latino in America” and “Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door,” which looked at the controversy surrounding the construction of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.

“I’ve had opportunities to tell stories of lots of marginalized people, and I think it really is where I began to find my voice as a reporter,” said O’Brien.

You can learn more about her visit at http://mtsunews.com/soledad-obrien-mtsu-lecture-2014.