By Jon Parton
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is marking African-American History Month with “The Souls of Black Folk: Beyond the Veil” on Feb. 23 in Carlsen Center 211.
The presentation, based upon the book by W.E.B Du Bois, takes a look at economic and civil rights issues that our country faces today. Fred Krebs, professor of history, and Carmaletta Williams, executive director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, have been giving the presentation together for the last few years. Susan McGarvey, administrative assistant, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has helped set up previous shows.
“It’s very topical right now,” McGarvey said. “I can see [Fred] and Carmaletta continuing this in the future.”
“Fred asked me to join him in one of his presentations years ago and we’ve been working together ever since,” Williams said.
Williams said she hopes more people learn about lesser known African-Americans like Ella Baker, Emmett Till, and Bayard Rustin that have helped shape the civil rights movement in our nation’s history.
“Bayard Rustin was responsible for organizing the march on Washington, but he was asked to hide his involvement because he was gay,” Williams said.
Krebs said that he believes “The Souls of Black Folk” is one of the ten most important books for students to read.
“Du Bois believed that civil rights were natural rights that apply to all people,” Krebs said.
Du Bois, co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), was the first African-American to earn a doctorate degree. He also served as an editor for the NAACP’s monthly journal “The Crisis”, a popular magazine that revealed and publicized the mistreatment of the African-American community. Krebs said he sees a connection between political policies of the past and the present.
“The idea of corporations as people is nothing new,” said Krebs. “The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was opposed because it was said that it infringed on the rights of businesses.”
Krebs said he would like to see classes give more attention to the role African-Americans have played in the forming of modern society.
“It’s got to be something that is a part of the curriculum. It’s about empathy, equity, and being examples of excellence in virtue,” Krebs said.
Although Thomas Jefferson believed in equal rights for all and special privileges for none, Krebs points out that Jefferson was also a slave owner.
Beyond the well-known figures of the civil rights movement like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Krebs said he would like students to be more aware of the rich history African-Americans have contributed to the nation.
“We have had great writers like James Weldon Johnson and Toni Morrison. Community leaders like Mary McLeod Bethune and A. Phillip Randolph. I think we’ve got to talk about these people substantially,” Krebs said.
If you are interested in attending, the presentation will be held on Feb. 23 at 11:00am at Carlsen Center 211.
Contact Jon Parton, staff reporter at jparton@jccc.edu.