Registration opens Nov. 25
On Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., prepare to be deeply moved by the story of Deng Mayik Atem, co-author of Jumping Over the Ram, a memoir of a childhood forever altered by the brutal South Sudan War. Separated from his parents and tribe, and forced into the life of a child soldier, Atem endured unimaginable hardship in the Kakuma refugee camp. He will share how 30years of his life and his entire childhood were stolen from him.
Atem was one of 15,000 boys who fled the conflict, crossing into Kenya as refugees in 1992 and capturing global attention. Labeled as one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” he reveals that he was never truly lost—his connection to his identity was simply taken from him. His story transcends the South Sudanese conflict; it is a testament to the resilience, survival, and determination of children caught in the crossfire of war.
Deng Mayik Atem was born in what is now South Sudan, settling in Phoenix after the war. He holds a bachelors degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. A dedicated member of the South Sudanese diaspora, Atem publishes Ramciel Magazine, which aims to connect those in diaspora with their homeland. He is also a certified translator, frequently translating between Dinka and English for various government agencies.
Currently, Atem serves as the Executive Director of the South Sudan Twic Mayardit Community of Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of South Sudanese Americans in Arizona. Through his memoir, Deng hopes to inspire others to persevere through adversity, commit to meaningful causes, and strive to make a positive impact in the world.
“It is a privilege to introduce you to Deng Atem and his moving memoir, Jumping Over the Ram.” ~ Anderson Cooper, CNN Anchor
Admission to all Premier Speaker Series events is $15 per person and can be purchased online or with cash in the lobby of the Renaissance Theater one hour prior to the presentation, subject to availability. Up to four admissions can be purchased in one transaction per LLL user account.
For online purchases, two to three days before an event, a QR code ticket will be emailed to the email address of each person who is registered. The QR code ticket is a personal code for each person registered and the printed or electronic ticket displaying the QR code is required for admission to the event. Will call is not offered.
EVENT DATE/TIME: Friday, Jan. 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
COST: $15
MAXIMUM: 310 (no assigned seating, no waitlist)
