Monmouth University Holds Interdisciplinary Race Conference

The idea of race continues to be controversial and the meaning of race and its significance remains an open issue. These topics and others will be discussed during Monmouth University's third biennial conference on race taking place Thursday, November 8 through Saturday, November 10. The conference is open to the public. Tickets are $100 per person or $30 for the conference dinner only.

With a theme of “Access and Privilege in Higher Education,” the conference will explore subjects such as why the issues that surround race continue to be important and how systems of racial classification and identity are manifested in social institutions and relationships. Individual papers, panels, workshops and posters will focus on areas including: White Privilege in U.S. Society, Race/Gender/Class, Gender and Privilege and more. The conference is coordinated by Monmouth University Professor Julius O. Adekunle and Monmouth University Lecturer on African American History Hettie V. Williams.

Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy will give the keynote speech at the conference dinner on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Wilson Hall. Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy is an assistant professor of Sociology and Black Studies at the City College of New York.  His research concentrates on issues of educational inequality, the role of race in contemporary society and gender equity. Through his writing, speaking and commentary his work analyzes some of the most pressing issues facing the African diaspora. With specializations in race and ethnic relations, his research and activism grapple with the areas of education, youth culture and public policy. Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy’s commentary has been featured in media outlets such as U.S. World News Report, National Public Radio, Ebony, theRoot.com and the Detroit Free Press. 

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

Thursday, November 8

• 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.   
  Opening Ceremony, Wilson Hall Auditorium
  
  Opening Plenary Lecture - Dr. Elizabeth Higginbotham, University of Delaware -"The Challenges of Access and Privilege in Higher Education"
  
  

Friday, November 9

• 11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m. 
  Plenary Lecture, Bey Hall, Young Auditorium
  Dr. David Roediger, professor of History and African-American studies at the University of Illinois - "Freedom for All: The Lessons of the Self-Emancipation of U.S. Slaves"


• 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.    
  Film Workshop, Wilson Hall Auditorium
  Marylou and Jerome Bongiorno of Bongiorno Productions in Newark, N.J.
  “Workshop on Documentary Filmmaking and Careers”


• 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  
  Conference Dinner and Keynote Lecture, Wilson Hall
  Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy, assistant professor of Sociology and Black Studies at the City College of New York, Wilson Hall

The conference is open to the public. Tickets are $100 per person or $30 for dinner only. Full schedule of events and more information available at www.monmouth.edu/race/. For more information and reservations, contact Hettie Williams at hwilliams@monmouth.edu.