The University of Chicago Continues Tradition of Honoring George Kent
The University of Chicago’s, Organization of Black Students (OBS), invited political strategist and television correspondent Donna Brazile to speak during its 2014 Annual George E. Kent Lecture Series.
In her speech, 50 Years Since the Civil Rights Movement: The Current State of Black Politics, Brazile provided personal anecdotes, reflections on the Civil Rights Movement, stated her views on politics and African Americans, and discussed current issues.
Brazile also recognized the impact that the George E. Kent Lecture Series has on the community.
“This is a very historic moment and I’m proud of the sponsors and their effort to keep George Kent’s legacy alive,” said Brazile. “I’m proud of the fact that they find the resources each and every year to expand this program and allow people like myself to come and talk about the history of the Civil Rights movement and also George Kent’s legacy so I am grateful to be here.”
The George E. Kent Lecture Series is in honor and recognition of its namesake who was the first African American professor of English at the University of Chicago (U of C).
Dr. Kent matriculated through Savannah State University before leaving to serve in the armed forces in the early 1940s. Once he completed his service, Dr. Kent earned both a Master’s degree and Doctorate degree from Boston University. He then went on to serve in both instructional and administrative capacities that ultimately lead him to the University of Chicago. Dr. Kent was hired in 1970 and served the students of U of C until his passing in 1982.
Sponsored by the OBS, the George E. Kent Lecture Series began in 1984 with its first invited speaker being Sonia Sanchez. since then, several noteworthy speakers have taken part in the Series including Angela Davis, Cornel West, and Stokley Carmichael.
Dr. Kent’s is still impacting African American students at U of C today.
“I think it’s just the fact that we’re all getting together to brainstorm ways that we can better our community. I think that’s what a lot of African American leaders are trying to do, to bring the Black community together, to better our community, and I think that honors Kent in that way,” said U of C student and OBS member, Cosette Hampton.
“Let us also be thinking about what we can do in our everyday lives of how we can honor the legacy of Dr. Kent and how we must always create space for ourselves in a society that has not always valued our perspective,” said Arlin Hill, Organization of Black Students President.
For more information about the George E. Kent Lecture Series visit http://obsuchicago.com/.
Founded on the University of Chicago’s campus in 1968, the Organization of Black Students identifies and addresses the issues facing the African American community.
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