Today (Feb. 11), the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine continues its 2021 Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series, “Slavery To Freedom.” Due to COVID-19, the lecture will be conducted virtually. The next speaker is Patrisse Cullors, an activist and co-founder of Black Lives Matter, which has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.
WKAR’s Kevin Lavery spoke with Dr. Marita Gilbert, associate dean of diversity and campus inclusion at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, about what Cullors brings to the national discourse on race.
Interview Highlights
On What Patrisse Cullors Represents As Co-Founder Of Black Lives Matter
I think (Patrisse Cullors brings) a very transparent conversation about what it looks like to try to advocate for yourself, for your community, and to be vilified for that in one moment, and to have to wait for society to catch up and see what it is you're actually advocating for.
I think it was also important to me and for us as a college to have her come and speak because all three of the founders of this movement are queer Black women, and often we don't give enough mention, enough attention; enough celebration to the Black women who are typically at the helm of social movements, and certainly those for social justice and transformative change.