THE SECOND ANNUAL VISITING MINORITY FACULTY LECTURE SERIES THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH 28, 2002

The Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr.
SENIOR PASTOR, EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
"The Struggle Continues: Tied Together and Accountable" 

During his 27-year tenure as senior pastor, The Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Roberts has become known for the quality of leadership that has kept Ebenezer Baptist as a strong voice for the oppressed and an advocate for justice. He has instituted expansive community outreach programs, including a teenage mother's ministry, tutoring programs, counseling, a food co-op and a seniors' day care center. He's the recipient of numerous honors and awards (including five honorary doctorates) and was listed as an outstanding clergyperson by Ebony magazine.

FEBRUARY 7, 2002, 4:00 P.M., Big Ten C, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Reception following.

Mr. Dick Gregory
COMEDIAN AND LEADING CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER
“Entertainers in the Civil Rights Movement”

Dick Gregory is a brilliant comedian, leading civil and human rights activist and well known for his deep and sincere commitment to non-violent social change. He has authored 15 books, produced seven records and made many TV and film appearances in his 42 years of active involvement. Dick Gregory has, in a very dramatic and effective way, called this nation’s attention to the plight of Blacks and other disadvantaged minorities with his over 100 fasts, public demonstrations, protest arrests and numerous public appearances. He followed the example of Mahatma Ghandi in fasting and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Gregory is a world-class Black historian, nutritionist, humorist, political satirist and outspoken critic of America’s drug problem. His is a life of commitment and dedication to truth, justice and equality and he is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to meet his goals.

FEBRUARY 14, 2002, 4:00 P.M., Big Ten B, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Reception following. 

Dr. Dorothy F. Cotton
FORMER EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
“Women’s Role in the Civil Rights Movement”

Dorothy Cotton is one of the great women of the movement and she brings a unique experience to the history of Blacks in America. She has the distinction of being the highest ranking female in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by Martin Luther King, Jr. From 1960 to 1972 Dr. Cotton was the educational director for SCLC and worked very closely with Dr. King. She translates years of thought, learning and experience into words and songs which bear the message of the Civil Rights Movement. No one has played a more important role in support of the efforts of Dr. King than Dorothy Cotton. A powerful speaker and teacher/workshop facilitator, Dr. Cotton uses the “songs of the movement” to tell the story. She has traveled extensively through the world carrying the message of the African American’s struggle from slavery toward freedom.

FEBRUARY 21, 2002, 4:00 P.M., Auditorium, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Reception following.

The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.
SENIOR PASTOR, TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
“Adaptation of African Culture to African American Culture”

Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. is well known throughout the country as an educator, scholar, theologian, pastor, builder and author. He has distinguished himself as one of this nation’s leading authorities on and advocates for social, spiritual and economic justice. His treatises on Black culture and custom in the slavery to freedom movement have helped form the foundation for understanding how Blacks have adjusted and adapted to this new nation called America. Dr. Wright has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the growth and expansion of the role of the church in the Black community. As pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, he has led in its growth from a membership of 87 in 1972 to the present 7,000 and built a church that seats 2,700 that fills to capacity twice each Sunday. Under his leadership, Trinity has developed 60 church ministries, constructed two senior citizen’s complexes, operates a day care program, two Head Start programs and a federal credit union.

FEBRUARY 28, 2002, 4:00 P.M., Big Ten B, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Reception following.

• MSU Office of the Provost
• MSU Assistant Provost and Assistant Vice President for Academic Human Resources
• MSU Vice President for Student Affairs and Services
• MSU Office of Minority Student Affairs
• MSU Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring
• MSU Black Faculty, Staff and Administrators Association
• MSU Black History Committee
• College of Osteopathic Medicine Committee on Diversity
• William Anderson, DO
• State Representative Michael Murphy

 The intent of the MSU Visiting Minority Faculty Program is to provide opportunities for interaction with minority scholars from education, business, industry and government who spend time on a visiting-appointment basis at Michigan State University.

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is extremely pleased to host these notable scholars who, in addition to making the presentations above, will also be dedicating time to teaching MSU students on campus.

The college expresses its appreciation to the following for their support: