Author to honor Black History Month
Michael Eric Dyson was named ‘one of the 40 most inspiring African Americans.’
Feb. 5, 2008
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Author and Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday in Jesse Auditorium. His presentation is the Black Studies Program’s keynote speech for Black History Month.
Black Studies Program student assistant Britney Brasher said Dyson is known as a “public intellectual” who addresses issues of race and culture in his work.
She said he’s a popular speaker, and representatives from the Black Studies Program were excited to book him for the speech. According to a biography posted on the Black Studies Program Web site, Dyson was named by Ebony magazine as “one of the 100 most influential black Americans,” and Essence magazine named him “one of the 40 most inspiring African Americans.”
Brasher said she was unsure what Dyson would specifically discuss, but according to his biography, Dyson has written books about varying topics, including political and racial fallout following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and hip-hop culture. His next book, entitled “April 4, 1968,” will look at King’s assassination and will be released on March 4, in time for the anniversary of King’s death.
Dyson will stick around following his speech for a question-and-answer session and book signing from 8 to 9 p.m.
Throughout the month, more than 20 events will take place to commemorate Black History Month. Brasher said that there is no central theme, but this year there will be more programming dedicated to the history of music, including jazz and hip-hop, and neo-soul concerts.
Brasher said students should take advantage of the programming this month because it will expose students to black Americans’ influence on society.
“Many people don’t have a lot of background knowledge about our contributions,” she said. “This is an opportunity to enlighten themselves about black history.”
For a full list of Black History Month programming, visit blackstudies.missouri.edu/events.htm.
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