One Voice, One Vision: Civil Rights Forum

Coinciding with the close of Black History Month, the School of International Affairs Black Student Association (SIABSA) is hosting a Civil Rights Forum to boost awareness, dialogue, and advocacy around civil rights issues. The forum will feature two distinguished keynote speakers:

• Isaac Newton Farris Jr., the nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senior Fellow of the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Dr. Babs Babatunde Onabanjo, president of the A.D. King Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes youth empowerment and nonviolent social change.

The keynote speakers will discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities for achieving justice in the 21st century; the historical foundations that led to current civil rights endeavors; the importance of understanding past movements, and strategies for future upholding. The conversation will also portray several stakeholders' roles in driving meaningful change and fostering a more equitable society, including academic institutions and local leadership.

In addition to the keynotes, the event will include a panel discussion and an exhibition showcasing civil rights history and achievements. Coffee and snacks will be provided throughout the day, and a catered lunch will be served.

The forum aims to stimulate fresh conversations around social justice, equality, and civil rights, and inspire the next generation of global leaders. This event is free and open to the public; registration is required by February 21.

Register for the Civil Rights Forum

The Civil Rights Forum is an initiative of SIABSA, a student organization that aims to provide a forum for Black students at the School of International Affairs (SIA) to highlight the contributions that African Americans have made to the field of international affairs, and to increase diversity and inclusion at SIA.

The forum is co-sponsored by several Penn State units including the African Studies Department; Black Law Students Association (BLSA); College of Education; College of the Liberal Arts; Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA); Penn State Global; Penn State Student Affairs; and the School of International Affairs. External co-sponsors include the A.D. King Foundation and Black Empire Business Group.

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Check in, coffee & networking | Lewis Katz Building Lobby

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Keynote Presentation by Dr. Babs Onabanjo | Greg Sutliff Auditorium

• 30-minute presentation, 30-minute Q&A

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Keynote Presentation by Isaac Newton Farris Jr. | Greg Sutliff Auditorium

• 30-minute presentation, 30-minute Q&A

12:15 – 1:45 p.m. | Lunch & networking | Lewis Katz Building Atrium

1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | Panel Discussion, "The Ongoing Evolution of Civil Rights and its Significant Impact on Today’s Society" | Greg Sutliff Auditorium

• Panelists: Isaac Newton Farris Jr., Dr. Babs Onabanjo
• Moderator: Celiann Nicole George

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion, "Civil Rights in the Crosshairs: Navigating the Trump Era" | Greg Sutliff Auditorium

• Panelists: Isaac Newton Farris Jr., Dr. Babs Onabanjo
• Moderator: Dr. Mitchell Smith, SIA director and professor of international affairs

Accommodation/Physical Access

Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Alyssa Wroblewski (abw5948@psu.edu) in advance of your participation in this event.

About the Keynote Speakers

Isaac Newton Farris Jr.

Isaac Newton Farris Jr., nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended his uncle’s alma mater, Morehouse College, where he majored in political science. Farris’s background has given him a unique perspective and real-life experience on some of the most pressing issues of our times. Farris has met and dialogued with countless heads of state, CEOs, religious leaders, academic leaders, and grass roots activists. In addition, he has participated in debates and commentaries for print, radio and television media outlets ranging from CNN, USA Today to WSB radio.

Farris currently serves as Senior Fellow of the King Center where he not only continues to write, research and lecture on the life, philosophy, and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., but also on how Kingian Non-Violence should guide American society as we confront the social, religious, economic and war issues of America and of the world today. Read more

Dr. Babs Babatunde Onabanjo

Dr. Babs Babatunde Onabanjo is president of the A.D. King Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes youth empowerment and nonviolent social change. The foundation highlights the enormous contributions of Rev. A.D. Williams King, brother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with the goal of building a beloved community centered around "social justice and entrepreneurial spirit."

Onabanjo is president of the Faculty Senate and a professor of business and information technology at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Previously, he served as assistant professor and director of computer science at Morris Brown College and as management and information systems instructor at Alabama State University. He brings extensive expertise, with over 40 years of experience in management consulting, computer science, education, project management, financial services, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Read more