Valpo Hosts Civil Rights Forum Feb. 17

Valparaiso University presents “Realizing the Dream in Northwest Indiana: A Dialogue On Civil Rights In The Age Of Ferguson” on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Harre Union Ballroom.

Hosted by Heath Carter, assistant professor of history, the event offers an opportunity for community members to join Valpo students, faculty, and staff in an open and respectful discussion about the current state of civil rights.

“Even as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of so many civil rights milestones, we find that questions about race and racial justice are not just the stuff of history,” Carter said. “Across the nation, including right here in Northwest Indiana, these issues remain in fact profoundly contemporary. I am delighted to welcome leaders from across this region to Valparaiso University for an important conversation about civil rights in the age of Ferguson.”

To guide the discussion, the forum features a panel of leaders in Northwest Indiana including Vanessa Allen, president and CEO of Urban League of NWI; Jon Costas, mayor of Valparaiso; Dan Lowery, president of Calumet College of St. Joseph; Dale Melczek, bishop of the Diocese of Gary; Michael Puente, WBEZ reporter; and Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary.