Each semester, the American Studies Institute (ASI) hosts several speakers as a part of its Distinguished Lecture Series. The first event of this semester, titled “Exploring Race Relations: An Honest Conversation,” will be held on Feb. 9 and will feature a panel of speakers moderated by the university’s president, Dr. Bruce McLarty.
Kim Kirkman, associate executive director of ASI, said that the panel format has never been used in the history of the Distinguished Lecture Series.
“The idea kind of evolved out of some planning meetings, but Dr. McLarty wanted to have something where multiple voices were heard about different experiences and different views of how race relations have gotten better or stayed the same or deteriorated, if that be the case,” Kirkman said.
The panel will feature Elijah Anthony, Fred Gray, Anastasia Pittman and Howard Wright. Anthony and Wright were the first two black students ever tograduate from Harding in 1968, and Wright also serves on the board of trustees. Gray legally represented both Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. early in the Civil Rights Movement. Pittman represents the 48th District in the Oklahoma state senate.
Senior Brent Hall, student executive vice president of ASI, said that learning about past race relations at Harding will be a challenging experience.
“These four panelists will be able to lend wise and insightful voices regarding the truth of racial issues, both in the past and in the present,” Hall said. “Part of the importance of this conversation is the transparency with which Wright and Anthony will speak concerning their experience at Harding in the ‘60s. It should be a special, though perhaps difficult and troubling, evening.”
According to senior Austin Yates, student president of ASI, said that this evening will give listeners an important insight into the lives of others.
“While this panel is important for many reasons, I think it is most important because we often succumb to the idea that if something doesn’t affect us then we have no reason to worry about it,” Yates said. “As Christians, this view is fundamentally wrong. We are called to walk a mile in others’ shoes, to give voices to those who have none, and to stand boldly in the face of injustice and inequality. I look forward to an evening of exploring where we have been, where we have come and looking forward to a better day tomorrow — one filled with unconditional love for our neighbors.”
Gray will also have a signing for his book “Bus Ride to Justice” in which he talks about his involvement with King and Parks. Kirkman said that she has started reading the book and believes that others will find it interesting as well.
The second installment of the speaker series will take place on April 7 and feature David Barton, the founder and president of WallBuilders. He is the author of several best-selling books and emphasizes America’s religious and constitutional heritage.
According to Kirkman, ASI has hosted Barton as a part of the speaker series before.
“He has been to campus before, and we don’t have many speakers that we bring back to campus,” Kirkman said. “He was very well-received. His name might not be as high-profile, but he is certainly a fabulous speaker, and anyone who attends will learn a lot. His presentation is very easy to listen to and 45 minutes goes by really quickly.”
Yates said that the Distinguished Lecture Series is an amazing opportunity and encourages students to take advantage.
“I think ASI is one of the most special programs we have on Harding’s campus,” Yates said. “Rarely are students fortunate enough to hear from such wise and experienced people. We all have so much to learn, and it is my hope that every student take hold of this opportunity to gain wisdom and knowledge that will make us better citizens, better people and a better community of believers.”
