Discussion to mark 50th anniversary of March on Washington

Chad Williams and Gordon Fellman to speak at Aug. 28 event

The African and Afro-American Studies Department, the Dean of Students Office and the Intercultural Center will host a discussion on Aug. 28 to mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The discussion, to be held at 4 p.m. in the Intercultural Center Multipurpose Room, will explore the history and legacy of the March on Washington and the continued struggle for racial equality and social justice today.

Dean of Students Jamele Adams will moderate the discussion, which will also feature comments from Chad Williams, associate professor and chair of African and Afro-American studies, and Gordon Fellman, professor of sociology. The panel is in conjunction with the ICC mixer from 3 to 5 p.m.

“The 50th anniversary of the March on Washington is actually very timely as this summer has illustrated how issues of race and social justice still remain highly relevant,” Williams said, citing the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. “We need to take advantage of these moments to have open and frank conversations.”