Miami University presents three virtual lectures on the topics of diversity and inclusion in honor of Black History Month.

The first lecture, “The Reemergence of Protests and Marches in America,” is at noon Monday, Feb. 8, sponsored by Miami University Libraries and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The virtual presentation will discuss the convergence of the Black Lives Matter and civil rights movements and what the response should be from all Americans. Panelists include Christopher Miller, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center senior director of education and community engagement; Dr. Anthony James, Miami University’s interim vice president of institutional diversity; and Dr. Jarrett Terry, Florida State University’s assistant vice president for academic affairs.

“Killing Emmett: The murder of Emmett Till and the white Mississippi Press,” is the second lecture, sponsored by Dr. Davis Houck, professor at Florida State University, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. Houck will discuss his work on how the media shaped the narrative of the kidnapping and lynching of Emmett Till. 

The last lecture, “What Would Dr. King and Malcolm X Teach in 2021?” is at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, and will be presented by Odell A. Bizzell II, author, keynote speaker and leadership trainer. The presentation will touch on the lives and background of Dr. King and Malcolm X, including what they taught while they were alive, plus meaningful information and action items that students and leaders can easily implement to activate activism within each individual. 

All three virtual events are open to the Miami and Oxford community and are free. Those interested can register for each event on Miami’s events calendar.