Lecia J. Brooks, director of Outreach for the Southern Poverty Law Center, will speak about black history through the lens of civil rights at noon on Monday in Little Hall Room 223.
Brooks is the featured speaker for the School of Social Work’s annual Dr. Ethel H. Hall African-American Heritage Month Program. She plans to speak on contemporary issues involving civil rights and SPLC’s role in fighting injustice. The program is part of “Through the Doors,” a series commemorating the 50th anniversary of the UA desegregation.
“I want to underscore what has been done in Alabama for social justice issues,” Brooks said.
In Montgomery, Ala., in 1971, the SPLC was founded by two Alabama lawyers, Morris Dees and Joe Levin, who were concerned the victories of the civil rights movement would not be fully realized for all. They took pro bono cases that other lawyers would not take, with far-reaching effects.
Legal triumphs by the SPLC have helped dismantle hate groups and win justice for some of our nation’s more vulnerable groups.
Today the SPLC’s influence has grown, and its mission of “fighting hate, teaching tolerance and seeking justice” has taken several forms. The SPLC continues its work in litigation, offering legal aid to those in need but also free educational materials for teachers, promoting diversity and tolerance. The SPLC also tracks and monitors hate groups in an effort to protect citizens.
Brooks stresses the importance of Black History Month.
“Black history is American history,” Brooks said. “We all have the opportunity to make black history. You don’t have to be like George Washington Carver and invent peanut butter to make a difference.”
(See also “Professor leads racial tour”)
Brooks has advice for students motivated to help the cause.
“Be aware and pay attention to what’s going on around us, like comprehensive immigration reform issues. Cut through the rhetoric, and stand up for rights,” Brooks said. “College is the time for individuals to become engaged. Connect with people and help. It’s not politics. It’s injustice, and we should all be concerned about it.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
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