For the past 16 years, the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine has brought a number of thought-provoking speakers to East Lansing each February as part of its William G. Anderson Lecture Series Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey.
This year, the college will again host three notable individuals: Dr. Mae Jemison, Jonathan Capehart and Johnny Ford.
The free series will kick off on Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. as Jemison takes the stage at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center’s Big Ten Room. Instead of dreaming of becoming a doctor or a dancer or a chemical engineer, she did them all – and much more. Jemison was the first African-American woman to travel to space on the space shuttle Endeavour. Today, she is an advocate for STEM education, addressing health care disparities and advancing technology to serve humanity.
At 5 p.m. on Feb. 9, Capehart will share his observations on topics related to politics, race relations and LGBTQ issues. A journalist, MSNBC contributor and Washington Post opinion writer and editorial board member, he doesn’t hesitate to share his thoughts – regardless of how popular they might or might not be – and to admit when he’s wrong, a rarity among commentators. Expect him to be bold, opinionated and challenging, but never boring.
The series will conclude at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23 with a talk by former Tuskegee, Alabama Mayor Johnny Ford. He was one of the first African-American mayors for a U.S. city with a population over 10,000 people. After serving Tuskegee for six consecutive terms, Ford then served in the Alabama State House of Representatives for the 82nd district. An experienced leader who has spent his life in public service, he understands the value of collaboration, of sharing and service.
There is no registration required. For more information, visit College of Osteopathic Medicine website or call the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Office of External Programs at 517-432-4979.