Civil rights lecture series held at JSU - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Civil rights lecture series held at JSU

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By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - A civil rights series focusing on women took place at Jackson State University Wednesday.

The lecture session recognized icons of the movement who brought change to the state.

Women and the Movement for Social Justice is the sixth in a series of lectures on civil rights.

The panel of six women included J.S.U. professor Dr. Michelle Deardoff, Dr. Susan M. Glisson, Executive Director of the William Winter Institute, Donna Ladd, Editor of the Jackson Free Press, Nsombi Lambright, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, Dr. Tiyi Morris Professor at Ohio State University and Angela Stewart, curator of the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center.

Dr. Beverly Hogan, President of Tougaloo College, served as moderator.

Each panelist encouraged the audience of men and women to empower their community.

Contessa Johnson is a J.S.U. graduate student from Shelby.

The political science major said the obstacles black women face today are different from past racism, but they must remember they have worth and impact.

"We're still needed when it comes to passing laws for instance in the state of Mississippi our voice still does matter and it's up to us to pretty much get together collectively and get our voices heard," said Johnson.

Panelist Angela Stewart said the lecture series helps students and other women broaden their horizons to social justice.

"We don't have to settle for injustice and violence and hopelessness that we can improve not only our own lives but the lives of our children," said Stewart.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, President Barack Obama's former pastor from Chicago, also attended the lecture.

Each speaker offered different perspectives on what influenced their meaning of social justice and how they embrace their power to change society for the better.

The Medger Evers/ Ella Baker Civil Rights Lecture Series was held in cooperation with the Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute, the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and J.S.U.'s Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center.

©2010 WLBT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten  or redistributed.

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