'Slavery to Freedom' series draws notable speakers

from MSU Today

A journalist, civil rights activist and a spiritual leader will speak at Michigan State University in February during the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s annual free public lecture series.

The 19th annual William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey, kicks off at 5 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center auditorium with Frederick D. Haynes III. Haynes is the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas. He is also an author, radio show host and social activist who has been outspoken against racial, economic and social injustice from local to national levels.

Eugene Robinson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Washington Post columnist, will speak at 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. Robinson long ago recognized the interconnections between politics and culture and frequently adds his unique view of the American narrative on MSNBC.

At 5 p.m. on Feb. 28, Vernon Jordan, a civil rights activist, presidential advisor and author, will speak at the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. Jordan has held influential positions in politics, the public service arena, corporate America and law. A graduate of DePauw University and Howard University School of Law, he has never hesitated to speak truth to power or to choose his own path, regardless of others’ views.

Each lecture will be followed by a reception to meet and talk with the speaker. No reservations are required.