Campus diversity forum Nov. 7-8
October 24, 2013
Civil rights pioneers and one of the country's most popular choruses are coming to the annual diversity forum, Nov. 7-8, at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
This year's theme focuses on the role of education in overcoming barriers to civil rights and social justice from 1964 to the present.
Guest speakers include Chude Allen, Cathy Cade, Roy DeBerry, Matt Herron, Florence Howe, Mark Levy and Jerry Ligon.
"Our guests have dedicated their lives to various aspects of social justice including women's rights, LGBTQ equality, poverty and discrimination," said Katy Heyning, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, which is sponsoring the forum. "A central theme is 'what is the role that education can play in improving society?' "
Speakers will visit classes throughout the week and participate in a lunch panel on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. in University Center room 275. The event is open to students and staff. Seating is limited. Email education@uww.edu to register.
After the luncheon, the speakers will head to the Warhawk Connection Center for informal conversations with the public from 12:30 - 2 p.m.
"Students have multiple options to meet and learn from activists who have 'walked the talk' in the past 50 years of educating for social justice," Heyning said. "By listening to our guests tell their individual stories, students can learn how to take action today to continue to fight for justice in the world."
At 7:30 p.m., in Young Auditorium, the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles presents "It Gets Better," a thought-provoking performance responding to the issue of bullying. Pre- and post-show discussions will take place. A free ticket is required.
The forum concludes Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. with a reception at Crossman Gallery in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. The photography of Cathy Cade and Matt Herron will be on display and the pair will be on hand to discuss their work.
For more information, visit the Campus Diversity Forum homepage.
Diversity Forum speakers
Chude Allen, a veteran of the Mississippi Summer Project, founder of the 1960's radical women's movement, and co-author of "Reluctant Reformers: Racism and Social Reform Movements in the United States."
Cathy Cade, a Freedom Summer veteran, LGBTQ Activist, and photographic contributor of "Free Your Mind: The Book for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies."
Roy DeBerry, a Freedom School student and executive director of the Hill County Project, a non-profit organization in Benton County, Miss., that helps local groups build a strong economic base and a sustainable community.
Matt Herron, who organized a team of photographers in 1964 to document one of the most tumultuous summers in civil rights history.
Florence Howe, an author, publisher, literary scholar and historian, and a nationally recognized leader of the contemporary feminist movement.
Mark Levy, coordinator of the Meridian, Miss., Freedom School who continues to be active in social justice struggles combining issues of class, race, gender, age, ethnicity and nationality within a practical framework for fighting discrimination.
Jerry Ligon, professor emeritus at National Louis University and co-author of many articles and chapters on Mississippi Freedom Schools.
