Dr. Lonise P. Bias - "One of the most bitter cups to
drink from is to bury a child."
Dr. Lonise P. Bias is the mother of the late Len Bias, the
University of Maryland basketball player who died of drug-related causes on June
19, 1986, two days after being drafted by the Boston Celtics. On December 4,
1990, the Bias family suffered the loss of a second son, Jay, who was murdered
in a drive-by shooting at a local mall. Dr. Lonise Bias has turned her personal
loss into a mission to help others, touring the country addressing the issues of
drugs, alcohol, family, hope, and love. When TV and radio stations across the
country covered her comments at Len's memorial service, Dr. Lonise Bias received
numerous requests to appear on TV and radio programs.
Today, Dr. Lonise Bias does from three to five presentations
a week and works approximately six months out of the year traveling the country.
Dr. Lonise Bias challenges young and old alike to wage war against substance
abuse. By discussing issues like peer pressure, she attempts to instill
self-respect and good judgment into the youth and steer them away from relying
on drugs. She believes that as role models, adults must realize that children
expect adults to provide their immediate and future needs. One of the most
visible and successful warriors in the fight against substance abuse, Dr. Lonise
Bias commands the attention of her audiences. She brings the battle directly to
center stage, addressing issues with a special energy that inspires people to
realize their self-worth and potential. Her message is positive: motivation,
inner strength, love, and happiness are key.
Dr. Lonise Bias has appeared on many television shows
including Up-Close with Roy Firestone, Sally Jesse Raphael, Dr. Robert Schuler,
The 700 Club, and the CBS Morning News. She has received the keys to numerous
cities and has been presented with the Boston Herald Community Service Award,
the International Women in Leadership Award, the Sojourner Truth Award, the Soya
Humanitarian Award, and the Giant Steps Parent Award. In May 1990, Dr. Lonise
Bias received an Honorary Doctorate of Education degree from Anna Maria College
in Massachusetts.
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