A Conversation on Poverty and Segregation

[Sapphire Blue]

Tuesday, January 17, 2006
A Conversation on Poverty and Segregation

The Center for Civil Rights, the Black Law Student Association and the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity hosted Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II for an inspiring lecture and subsequent conversation on race and poverty. Rev. Barber encouraged each member of the audience to be "a conscientious objector" on issues such as resegregation, the abandonment of low-income children, and on the vast problems of poverty in this country and in the world. Rev. Barber spoke eloquently and passionately about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing the need to organize progressive voices and stand by our Constitutional and moral obligations to a society built upon justice. Our honored guest, introduced by Sen. John Edwards, encouraged the students, faculty, community members, and staff in attendance to "object" to being simply comfortable in our environment and to take a stand on issues of poverty and segregation. Through the use of the political system, our voices, our universities, and our passion, Rev. Barber encouraged all of us to not just remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but to live it each and every day.

Listen to his powerful speech: http://www.unc.edu/law/povertycenter/audio/barber.mp3

http://law.unc.edu/Centers/details.aspx?ID=430&Q=3