Talk is part of URI’s fall Honors Colloquium

KINGSTON, R.I. – November 22, 2010 – Melissa Harris-Perry, formerly known as Melissa Harris-Lacewell, will speak at the University of Rhode Island, Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Her lecture, “How Black Women’s Stories Complicate Race and Gender Politics,” will be delivered in Edwards Auditorium, 64 Upper College Road, Kingston. The talk, free and open to the public, is part of URI’s ongoing Honors Colloquium on Race. Those unable to attend the lecture can watch it live online URI Live!

Harris-Perry, associate professor of politics and African American studies at Princeton University, primarily focuses on the daily challenges black Americans face to better understand their multiple, creative responses.

She is at work on a new book, Sister Citizen: A Text For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Politics When Being Strong Wasn’t Enough, touching on various aspects of racial and gender issues and how they influence political thought.

Harris-Perry provides expert commentary on U.S. elections, racial issues, religious questions and gender concerns for both “The Rachel Maddow Show” and “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.” Her writings have appeared in newspapers throughout the country, and she writes a monthly column for The Nation magazine titled “Sister Citizen.” She is also a regular contributor at TheNation.com.

“Harris- Perry was invited to the colloquium because of her clear and perceptive attitudes regarding the issues of both race and gender. Her public appearances on news outlets have shown her to be willing to challenge assumptions and bring new depth to these important issues,” said Gail Faris, assistant director of student life and the Women’s Center who is one of the colloquium coordinators. “We anticipate that having her speak towards the end of the series will provide the audience with a closing that will help capture the essence of the other guest speakers.”

For a complete, up-to-date schedule of the colloquium, visit www.uri.edu/hc. For further information, contact Deborah Gardiner at 401.874.2303 or deg@uri.edu. For information about ways to support the Honors Colloquium, contact Tom Zorabedian at 401.874.2853 or zman@foundation.uri.edu.

Major Sponsors:

Honors program, Office of the Provost, College of Arts and Sciences, Richard and Jean Harrington and the Harrington School of Communication and Media, Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, College of Engineering, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, College of Human Science and Services, Office of the President.

Sustaining Sponsors:

The Mark and Donna Ross Honors Colloquium Humanities Endowment, the Thomas Silva and Shannon Chandley Honors Colloquium Endowment.

Sponsors:

Division of University Advancement, College of Business Administration, College of Pharmacy, Department of Communication Studies, Center for Students Leadership Development, Office of the Dean of Students, Women’s Studies Program, Athletics, Multicultural Center, Office of the Vice President of Administration and Finance, Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, University College – Phi Eta Sigma, Department of Kinesiology.