In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma Dr. Lafayette will share his experience as a Baptist minister, civil rights leader, peace and social justice advocate, and educator. A member and co-founder of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, Dr. Lafayette, a trusted colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., participated in the most significant civil rights campaigns of the 1960s. Co-sponsored with the Black Cultural Center, Carter G. Woodson Center, African and African-American Studies, CCC, and President’s Office.

Southern Journey: The Migrations of the American South, 1790-2020 University of Richmond historian and former president, Dr. Ayers, will discuss how the South has been a place of constant movement, from the arrival of the first white settlers and the influx of scores of people of color through massive slave trading, to the Great Migrations of the early-to-mid 20th century and recent immigration. Appalachia has played an important, and unusual, role in that drama, and Ayers will explore the history…

The Power of Personal Story: Berea and Black Girl Magic The power of Berea’s story-telling and community-building curriculum is what sparked Ms. Thompson’s unlikely story. She will explore her own unorthodox path as well as that of Carter G. Woodson and Barack Obama. Thompson, a 2005 Berea graduate, will share how a GSTR 101 Berea Stories class laid the foundation which allowed her not only to help elect and serve the first black U.S. president but to subsequently serve as…

Acoustic Delta Blues Corey Harris is leading a revival of Country Blues with a fresh and modern appeal. A powerful and compelling singer and an accomplished guitarist, his musical artistry is complemented by reflective explorations of the historical and cultural circumstances that gave rise to the blues. Over the years, he has performed, recorded and toured with many blues legends such as B.B. King and Taj Mahal.

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Pawns in Their Game: Sexuality, Gender, & Race in American Politics Ms. Vaid is a long-time lesbian organizer, writer, and CEO of a social innovation firm that advances equity, justice, and inclusion. In her talk she addresses the context within which social movements like the LGBTQ movement operate, and the forces they face. She will share practical insights and offer strategic direction for advocates looking ahead. Co-sponsored with Women’s and Gender Studies.

The Point of Arrival Known for emotionally intimate songs that explore the personal, political, and spiritual with compassion, insight, and wit, American singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer has become a mainstay on the contemporary folk scene. With her warm yet assertive voice guiding her songs, she has embraced stylistic elements of acoustic folk and folk-rock.

Putting in the Work: A Journey of Second Chances Desmond Meade will share his journey from homelessness to leadership of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. He will address felony disenfranchisement and the reshaping of criminal justice policies, including the largest expansion of voting rights in the U.S. in half a century. Both inspirational and aspirational, Meade will highlight the significance of giving back, human connections, and the power of love. Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Learning through Service…

Shape Your Future: Energy, Climate Change and Human Rights Dr. Hansen, climate activist and leading climate scientist at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, will address how the next few years are critical for halting the global march toward catastrophic climate change. He contends that the future is in the hands of today’s young people, who must not only understand the science behind climate change, but also demand action from political leaders to dramatically change course.

Japanese Drumming In ancient Japan, Taiko drums were used to frighten invaders, inspire troops in battle, and call the gods. The core members of this spirited group have more than 25 years of Japanese Taiko drumming experience that is part martial arts athleticism, part dance, and all rhythm.