Destiny's Child singer and author Michelle Williams speaking in Canton for KSU Stark event

CANTON − Destiny's Child singer, actress and author Michelle Williams will be the featured speaker on March 7 at the Canton Palace Theatre.

Williams' appearance is a partnership of the Kent State University at Stark Speaker Series and the Stark County Library Dr. Audrey Lavin Speaking of Books Author Series.

Admission is free to the event at the Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N. Doors open one hour before the 6:30 p.m. event.

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Free tickets must be reserved online at https://www.starklibrary.org/speaking-of-books/. Tickets will not be available at the event. There's also an option to purchase VIP tickets for reserved section seating and a signed book.

Best-selling female singing group

The Grammy-winning singer rose to fame in the 2000s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling female music groups of all time. Formed in the '90s, Destiny's Child also included Beyoncé, who went on to a hugely successful solo career, including a world tour in 2023.

Several members came and went in the group, but its most popular lineup was Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Williams. In 2006, Destiny's Child parted ways as a group.

The trio performed in 2013 in the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show when Beyoncé was the headliner.

The R&B and hip-hop group's popular songs include "Say My Name," "Jumpin', Jumpin,'" "Bootylicious" and "Independent Women, Pt. 1."

Michelle Williams is mental health advocate

Williams is a mental health advocate who became one of the first celebrities to publicly discuss their battle with depression, which led to her hosting her own podcast “Checking In with Michelle Williams” on the iHeart Media Network, said a joint news release from Kent State at Stark and Stark Library.

In 2021, Williams released her first book “Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life − and Can Save Yours."

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Williams is another high-profile speaker for KSU Stark and library

Kent State at Stark and Stark Library have partnered on other high-profile speakers and authors, including Danny Trejo last spring.

“Our partnership with Kent State University at Stark has become a highlight of our speaker series,” said Mary Ellen Icaza, Stark Library CEO and executive director. “... We appreciate KSU Stark’s continued collaboration with Stark Library to raise awareness on important topics like mental health. Bringing people together in conversation strengthens our community by sharing the human experience.”

Kent State at Stark Dean Denise A. Seachrist said Williams brings an important message.

“Shedding light on mental health is not merely an initiative," she said in a prepared statement. "It’s a testament to our commitment to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental wellness.

"In a world where the weight of mental health challenges is felt by many, our timing couldn’t be more crucial. By embracing these discussions openly, we not only foster understanding and empathy but also cultivate a community where seeking help is not a sign of weakness — but of strength and resilience.”

For more information about Kent State's featured speaker series, go to https://www.kent.edu/stark/featured-speakers-series.

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams speaking at Kent State event