Wise to keynote USI's Nelson Mandela Commemoration Day

As part of the Nelson Mandela Commemoration Day, the University of Southern Indiana will host nationally-renowned anti-racist writer and educator, Tim Wise at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 11. His presentation "Resurrecting Apartheid, from Ferguson to the Voting Booth to the Border - Combating Racism in the Post-Obama Era," will address issues of racism including police brutality, racial profiling, colorblind racism, voting restrictions and anti-immigration hysteria.

Prior to the keynote address, the documentary film, White Like Me: Race, Racism and White Privilege in America, which Wise co-wrote and co-produced, will be screened at 2 p.m. Additionally, a celebration of African and Afro-Futuristic art will be on display at 5 p.m., including works from the African art collection of Dr. Joseph Udehi, associate professor of art education, as well as the work of USI student, Gabriel King Neville. All events are free and open to the public, and are held in Carter Hall in the University Center West.

Wise is the author of seven books including White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, Racism and Denial in the Age of Obama and his most recent release Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America, amongst others. He has provided anti-racism training to educators nationwide, as well as professionals in numerous fields.

His film, White Like Me, exhibits race issues through a historical lens, examining race relationships from the time of the founding fathers through to present day. The documentary illustrates how white privilege shapes attitudes, beliefs, politics and policy. The running time of the film is 68 minutes.

All events are sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Commemoration Committee, Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Evansville African American Museum, and the following University of Southern Indiana offices and departments: Provost Office, College of Liberal Arts, Multicultural Center, Housing and Residence Life, Counseling Center and Gender Studies program.

For more information, contact Dr. Sakina Hughes, assistant professor of history at shughes1@usi.edu or 812-465-1224.