DETROIT — The Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne Law hosted its 8th biennial lecture on Thursday, November 9, featuring Rhonda Williams, Ph.D., who holds the Coleman A. Young Endowed Chair in Wayne State University’s Department of African American Studies.

Her captivating performance lecture, titled “Footsteps & Footprints: On Race & (In) Justice,” engaged the audience on multiple levels—mentally, physically, and psychologically—through the artistry of poetry and music.

Dr. Williams is a distinguished historian whose focus lies in exploring the experiences of low-income black women and marginalized communities, delving into their everyday lives, political landscapes, and social struggles.

This lecture series by the Keith Center is a biennial tradition that welcomes luminaries in the realm of civil rights to share their work, insights, and wisdom regarding contemporary civil rights issues. Past speakers have included prominent figures such as writer, activist, and professor Julian Bond; humanitarian, activist, actor, and singer Harry Belafonte; renowned lawyer and trailblazer Constance Rice; groundbreaking scholar and the first African-American woman to receive tenure at Harvard Law School Lani Guinier; and former President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Spencer Overton.

Wayne State University President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D., Wayne Law Dean Richard Bierschbach, Professor Peter Hammer, director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, and Ollie Johnson, department chair of WSU African American Studies, delivered remarks during the lecture.

For a glimpse of the event, you can view the photos and watch the captivating performance lecture.

Top image caption: Dr. Rhonda Williams captivating a packed auditorium with her compelling performance lecture on Nov. 9th.

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Contact: Jennifer Kennedy

Phone: 313-577-4629

Email: Jennifer.kennedy2@wayne.edu