MEET Lucille O’Neal, Mother, Author, Leader at the Florida Museum for Women Artists

Friday, May 21, 2010, 4 – 7 P.M.

As we honor mothers this month, the Florida Museum for Women Artists is pleased to host the mother of one of the greatest athletes of all time.  In a presentation and book signing, Lucille O'Neal, mother of the NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, will share her struggle to overcome the wounds of a troubled past and find security in a lifetime of uncertainty.

In her recently released book, “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go”, O'Neal shares her struggles and disappointments, against the backdrop of her sweetest memories and proudest accomplishments.

Lucille O'Neal is a woman you know, a woman you understand. Perhaps your own journey resembles hers. O'Neal has been a rebellious teen, a single mother, a wife, a college student, a divorcee and, above all, a woman of unique courage.  After fifty-six years, O'Neal has gained the wisdom to recognize her wrongs and guide other women down a different path. Her story is proof that it's never too late for a new beginning.

In “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go”, she introduces us to the people, places, and decisions that changed the course of her life.  Throughout her story, Lucille O'Neal gives us courtside seats to the mental welfare that held her happiness hostage and threatened to steal her joy.

Acquainted early in life with turmoil, O'Neal's circumstances shaped her perspective and strengthened her resolve to overcome the challenges she would encounter later in life. Her journey is exceptional; but her story reveals that she is more than just "Shaquille O'Neal's mom."  She has endured poverty, rejection, abuse, addiction, and the illness of a child, yet today her faith and compassion for others are stronger than ever.

Lucille’s straightforward attitude and ability to adapt to any situation has equipped her with a tireless ability to serve. Lucille’s dedication to diverse causes underscores her heart for humanity. She has made countless contributions to various charities and continues to be an inspiration to many people, young and old. After 30 years of raising two sons and two daughters, Lucille resumed her studies in an Adult Education Program at Bethune-Cookman University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (June 2003). In 2005 she completed her graduate program (Master of Arts in Organizational Management) at the University of Phoenix.

Join us Friday, May 21, 2010, 4 – 7 P.M. Reception with refreshments and book purchases begins 4 p.m., presentation begins 5 p.m., followed by book signing. Event is free with your museum admission.  Books will be available to purchase at the event.  Reserve your book today!  For more information please call the museum at (386) 873-2976.

The Florida Museum for Women Artists is a 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to identify and promote women artists and educate the public about women in the arts.

The Florida Museum of Women Artists is located at 100 N. Woodland Blvd in DeLand Florida.
 
Gallery, Museum Shop and Café hours: Tue-Thursday: 11am to 6pm, Fri-Sat: 11am to 7pm, Sundays: 1pm-5pm Closed: Mondays and major holidays. 
Admission: $5 Adult Admission, $3 Children (under the age of 12), Museum Members Free. Travel time is approximately 1 hour from Orlando, 1.5
hours from Jacksonville, 4 hours from Tallahassee, and 3 hours from south Florida areas.