January 23, 2015

Author to discuss Martin Luther King Jr's ‘forgotten legacy’ at SVSU event

An historian of Martin Luther King Jr. will discuss her book about the American Civil Rights leader’s less-known legacies during a presentation and book signing Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Saginaw Valley State University. The 7 p.m. event in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts is free and open to the public.

The presenter, Jennifer Yanco, is the author of "Misremembering Dr. King: Revisiting the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr." The book explores King's campaigns outside of the Civil Rights movement, focusing on his criticism of military action and his belief that materialism was damaging the moral and spiritual health of the nation.

Along with her presentation, Yanco will host a workshop, titled "Challenging Racism," from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in SVSU's Curtiss Hall in Seminar Room G. The workshop, which will focus on creating solutions to fight racism, is free and open to the public.

Yanco, who earned a Ph.D. in linguistics and African studies from Indiana University, is the U.S. director of the West African Research Association and a Visiting Researcher at the African Studies Center at Boston University. She designed and taught a course, "White People Challenging Racism: Moving From Talk To Action," which has been offered at adult education programs and college campuses in the Boston area. The program also has been adapted for teachers, law enforcers, public servants and social service providers.

For more information on Yanco’s visit to SVSU, please contact the Office of Diversity Programs at (989) 964-4068.