What/Who:
"Framing the Issue: Political Discourse and Race Relations During the Era of Barack Obama"-a speech to be delivered by renowned American sociologist William Julius Wilson at the 2009 George E. Kent Lecture, which is held annually on campus in celebration of Black History Month.
The University of Chicago's Organization of Black Students will host the event, which is free and open to the public.
When:7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24
Where:International House at the University of Chicago1414 E. 59th St.
Background:
Wilson served on the faculty at the University of Chicago from 1972 to 1996 and was among the first African-American faculty members to receive tenure. In 1990, he was appointed the Lucy Flower University Professor in the University of Chicago's Center for the Study of Urban Inequality. Wilson is currently the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser Professor at Harvard University-the school's highest distinction for a faculty member. During his career, Wilson has received 41 honorary degrees, served as President of the American Sociological Association and Time magazine in 1996 named him as one of "America's 25 Most Influential People."
The Kent Lecture is held annually at the University of Chicago in honor of George Kent, a former University professor who taught English Language & Literature from 1970 until his death in 1982. Every year, the Organization of Black Students invites a prominent member of the African-American community to visit campus and speak on relevant social issues. Past speakers have included Angela Davis, Cornel West, Nikki Giovanni and Gwendolyn Brooks.
—Prof. Kunle Odunsi
