Award-winning journalist and author Cokie Roberts will speak May 13 at Samford University.

Roberts will speak at 4 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall, followed by a book signing for her new publication, Ladies of Liberty. The event is hosted by Samford and sponsored by Alabama Booksmith.

According to Jake Reiss, Alabama Booksmith owner, Ladies of Liberty continues the stories Roberts first told in her best-selling book, Founding Mothers. Ladies of Liberty tells of "remarkable women and their achievements in moving the fledgling nation forward, from the election of John Adams in 1796 through the 1828 election of Andrew Jackson."

Roberts is a senior news analyst for National Public Radio and a regular contributor to ABC News. For six years she was co-host of "This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts" on ABC. Among the several boards on which Roberts serves is President George W. Bush's Council on Service and Civic participation.

She and her journalist husband, Steven V. Roberts, write a weekly column syndicated by United Media. They have two children and four grandchildren.

A native of New Orleans, Roberts comes from a political family. Her late father Hale Boggs was Majority Leader in the U.S. Congress before his untimely death in 1972. Her mother, Lindy, later served in Congress and as a U.S. Ambassador.

The Samford event is open to the public. Alabama Booksmith will have copies of Roberts' books available for purchase at the event.

www.alabamabooksmith.com