Rev. Jesse Jackson to deliver keynote speech
The Centre for Local Policy Studies (CLPS) at Edge Hill University has announced that the American civil rights leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson will deliver a free public lecture at 7:30pm on Monday, 1 December, 2008.
The lecture, entitled Civil Rights to Equanomics, will focus on the relationship between economic justice and race. This timely event will focus on the aftermath of this year's historic American elections and the candidacy of Barack Obama, the first black presidential candidate. Rev Jackson will discuss themes from racial justice to economic equality as the event marks a number of historic anniversaries:
- The 90th birthday of Nelson Mandela
- The 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King at which Rev. Jesse Jackson was present, standing only a few steps away from Dr King when the fatal shot was fired.
Stuart Speeden, Head of CLPS said: "The Rev. Jesse Jackson's visit to Edge Hill comes at a significant time in the development of American and world politics. The US election and the current world economic crisis makes human rights a matter of immediate importance. The issues that Rev. Jackson will be addressing have direct relevance and his experience and knowledge of the civil rights movement in the 1960s through to his current role in the Equanomics movement, will bring into focus the importance of economic justice in race equality.
"This event has been possible because of our ongoing role in the promotion of equality and human rights and our collaboration with Equanomics UK.
"For Edge Hill, it marks an important development in the University's role both regionally and nationally as a centre for debate, and reinforces its commitment to widening participation in higher education."
The Liverpool-based Sense of Sound Choir, which reached the final six in the BBC's Last Choir Standing, will perform at the event.
Due to very high demand, the ticket line for this event has now closed. Please refer to the CLPS blog for updated information.
Published: Tue, 4 Nov 2008
Comments
, over 3 years ago
I wonder whether Mr Jackson will address the concerns of developing nations, who are concerned that far from bringing change, Mr Obama will surround himself with the same White House hawks that have destroyed the economy, brought misery to the African continent with the orwellian term 'globalisation' and continue the mass raping of middle eastern natural resources. Judging by the first appointments made by Mr Obama i.e. Rhambo, it is safe to say that Israel will be far higher up on Obama's agenda than withdrawing from the 115 military bases America has throughout the world.
Jamie Dolan, over 3 years ago
It is a real shame to hear such tones of sinisism given the fresh hope that has arisen from recent political events. Instead you should channel your frustrations into suggesting positive alternatives to current Western ‘systems’ that you as a university attendant currently subscribe to. Ironcally, the term ‘developing nations’ is extremely Western and you should consider your use of language and system of thought. Try not to feel too bad the next time you assist in the ‘raping’ of eastern natural resourses when taking the car, train, bus or taxi home.
Claire, over 3 years ago
If you have a ticket to hear this man speak than be grateful. It is a momentous year and as nothing is as simple as it has been made out in the first comment a chance to educate yourself from the horses mouth is an incredible privilege. Perhaps the opportunity to listen and learn where things can improve and how should be grasped and absorbed. As for american military to leave bases I presume you are also referring to Germany et al would you wish the UK army to leave those too? Do you think military bases is really a question of racial equality? I beg of all who is attending to value the opportunity you have been given and gain as much knowledge as possible it will be an event that you can tell your grandchildren about.
Shame he doesn't come to outreach to give speeches to teaching students on how to implement race equality in the classrooms - if anyone with the power is reading - black history month in October may be nice!
Jamie Navarro, over 3 years ago
Re Jamie Dolan's comment:
Obama's victory is a significant victory in the struggle for equality but it is not cynical to point out that some of Obama's policies seem very similair to the neo-conservative ideology that has characterised the U.S. for so long. He has taken an extreme pro-Israel stance and has spoken of withdrawl from Iraq but further military deployment in Pakistan. He has also shown his disaproval for elected socialist goverments in Central and South America.
I agree with you about the term 'developing nation' it is patronising, suggesting that we have achieved a model of society that is worth replicating: a system based on the many working to enable the few to enjoy the benefits of their labour. A society where inequality is the norm.
Sorry, comments are closed for this article.