African American studies program to host Ella Baker Day Symposium

The African American Studies Program has hosted a symposium for the past three years to honor Ella Baker. The fourth annual symposium will be held at the Alumni Center on 86 Wentworth Street at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday April 11.

Ella Baker was Martin Luther King’s right hand man, or right hand woman. Born in 1903, she was a major contributor to the Civil Rights Movement. Though she is largely unrecognized for her roles in the NAACP, SCLC, and SNCC, she advocated for not only racial equality, but socially equality as well.

In an effort to foster conversations about social justice and equality, this year’s event coordinators were able to recruit Dr. Gregory Fairchild of the University of Virginia. More than just a renowned college professor, Dr. Fairchild is a brilliant businessman and active member of the community. His Prisoner Reentry Training Program will be one of the main topics of discussion. The African American Studies Program invites all to come listen to Dr. Fairchild talk about his initiative to teach inmates about business so that they become self-employed when released from prison, and discuss present day inequalities in our society.

This event is open to all and welcomes everyone including students, faculty and staff and outside community-oriented organizations, and is completely free.