NAACP leader to speak on race relations, education

By Jamie Teibel
Senior Writer

The president and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is coming to Purdue.

Kweisi Mfume, whose West African name means "conquering son of kings," will speak on issues encompassing civil rights, political empowerment, educational excellence and economic development in his lecture, titled "Race: Exploring America's Agenda," at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 in Loeb Playhouse, which is located in Stewart Center.

Renee Thomas, director of the Black Cultural Center, which is presenting the event, said that the NAACP has demonstrated dynamic leadership in the call for rights for all Americans.

"I think that anything pertaining to race relations and the continued education of all races is a matter of great importance," said Brent Satterley, freshman in the School of Management.

Mfume, a Baltimore, Md. native, is a strong advocate for education, said Thomas, and has once been quoted to say, "Without education, you are without direction."

His own life reflects his words. As a magna cum laude graduate of Morgan State University, Mfume was editor of the school's newspaper and head of its Black Student Union. He also received his Master's degree from John Hopkins University.

Thomas said she believes Mfume will also emphasize the recognition of students, realizing that its not how you started in life but how you finish.

Again, Mfume's life reflects just that. He has successfully co-sponsored and helped to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. He authorized the minority contracting and employment amendments to the Financial Institutions Reform and Recovery Act. He also sponsored legislative initiatives banning assault weapons and establishing stalking as a federal crime.

"We're very excited," she said of the booking of the former member of the United States Congress and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

"He's very much in demand; he's a very high profile," she said. Thomas said that it's difficult to book Mfume to speak because he is a high-caliber dignitary.

"He is the head of the nation's most significant civil right organization, also the most respected in progressive and respected American institutions," she said.

Thomas also said Mfume will take some time, following his lecture, to answer questions from the audience. She encourages everyone to participate.

Ben Breman, senior in the School of Technology, said, "I believe this is a great eye-opening opportunity for the students of Purdue to expand their view points in our somewhat close-minded times."

Satterley said, "Hopefully, Purdue's student body won't take the opportunity to attend a lecture featuring a speaker of (Mfume's) caliber for granted."

"We are expecting standing-room-only crowd and would encourage all students and committee members to attend his lecture," said Thomas. "I think the students will feel empowered and motivated, in terms of the University campus, to improve the quality of life in their experience here."

For more information please call the Black Cultural Center at 494-3091.

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