NCCU Rock the Lyceum Series Welcomes Music Executive, Reality TV Star Yandy Smith-Harris 

DURHAM, NC – The North Carolina Central University Rock the Lyceum lecture series concludes for the 2022-23 academic year by welcoming music executive and reality TV star Yandy Smith-Harris on Thursday, April 27, at 7 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the H.M. Michaux Jr. School of Education Building auditorium at 700 Cecil St. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Yandy Smith-Harris began her career as a music business executive for the multimedia conglomerate Violator Management. There, she worked alongside the likes of LL Cool J, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Mona Scott-Young. During this time, Smith also received global recognition as one of Billboard Magazine’s ‘Top 30 Executives Under 30.’ From the music industry, Smith migrated to television, where she created the Love & Hip-Hop (LHH) franchise. While serving as a producer on season one of LHH and after nudging from mentor Mona Scott-Young, she made the decision to become a cast member. The decision to move from behind the camera to on-screen talent has made her a household name and inspiration for women and girls around the world. 

Smith-Harris has amassed an impressive resume, which includes the authoring of two books, an e-guide titled “The Beauty of Marketing in Business” and a children’s publication titled “My Blended Family.” She is also the founder of the beauty brand YELLE. Skincare Inc., co-founder of lifestyle brand Everything Girls Love (EGL) LLC, and non-profit organization Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons (PUDS) Inc. Furthermore, she has served as executive producer of films such as “Life, Love, Soul” (2012), “Percy” (2020), and “Nine Days” (2020) through a partnership with Mansa Productions. 

While she’s incredibly proud of her accomplishments, she’s most proud to be a mother to son Omere Harris, daughter Skylar Harris and foster daughter Infinity Gillard; her role as a mentor to the young people she encounters through her non-profit organization; serving as a motivational speaker and voice of hope for aspiring female entrepreneurs all over the world; and her role as a member of the board of directors for social justice organization Until Freedom through, which she has been on the frontlines using her platform and influence to bring attention to racial injustice, systemic racism and economic disparities in urban neighborhoods. 

The Rock the Lyceum lecture series is hosted by NCCU’s University College, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, and the Lyceum Committee. The series brings in several of the nation’s top entrepreneurs and thought leaders to engage students in relevant education, entertainment, politics, and social justice topics. Past speakers include J. Alphonse Nicholson, Michael Rainey Jr., Keke Palmer, Angela Rye, T.I., Michael Vick, Roland Martin, and Phylicia Rashad, among others.  

Public parking for the event is available in the H.M. Michaux Jr. School of Education (front surface lot), Miller-Morgan Health Sciences (500 Nelson St.), and Albert N. Whiting Criminal Justice (2201 Lincoln St.) building surface lots. 

For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at 919-530-5436.