October 24, 2024

Conversation of Understanding on civil rights is Oct. 30

A Conversation of Understanding on Wednesday, Oct. 30, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and look to the future. “Delivering on Promises: The Legacy of the Civil Rights Act and Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and the 2024 Presidential Election” will be a hybrid event — available both as a live virtual discussion and in person at SIU Edwardsville’s Morris University Center Legacy Room. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to join the discussion from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Panelists will explore how these landmark pieces of legislation laid the groundwork for increased civil rights, economic opportunity and social equity; consider the implications of the upcoming election, and discuss how the SIU System can contribute to realizing the promises of these acts.

A Q&A session will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. during which both on campus and online audiences can participate. Online participants can use the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before or during the event by email to doris.williams@siu.edu. 

Speakers will include: 

  • Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer, who will serve as moderator.
  • Dan Mahony, SIU System president.
  • Bryan Jack, professor, history and director of SIU Edwardsville Universities Studying Slavery Initiative.
  • Anthony Cheeseboro, associate professor, history, SIU Edwardsville.
  • Timothy E. Lewis, associate professor, political science, SIU Edwardsville.
  • Laurie L. Rice, professor, political science, SIU Edwardsville.
  • Doris Williams, program coordinator, SIU System President’s Office, will serve as facilitator. 

The meeting will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube channel. 

The Conversation of Understanding series began in June 2020 for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members to share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, equity and inclusion. This is the second session for the 2024-25 academic year.  

The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.