MILWAUKEE — Bobby Seale, political activist and author, will deliver a virtual keynote address to open Marquette University’s celebration of Black History Month on Monday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m.
The theme for this year’s Black History Month celebration is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” The Center for Engagement and Inclusion will host a full schedule of virtual conversations, movie screenings and celebrations taking place for the campus community throughout the month of February.
Seale’s keynote will touch on the Black Panther Party in relation to Black families and the cross-generational movement against racism. Registration for the virtual event is free and available online.
Seale gives lectures at colleges worldwide regarding his involvement with the Black Panther Party and offers advice concerning community organizing and racial justice. He co-founded the Black Panthers in 1966, serving as its national chairman. In the 1970s, as the Black Panthers faded from public view, he took on a quieter role, working toward improving social services in Black neighborhoods and other causes. He later renounced violence as a means to an end and began the task of reorganizing the Panthers, which had fallen into disarray in his absence. In 2002, Seale moved to Oakland in to help young political activists spark social change.
Other Black History Month events include weekly discussions hosted by Black Student Council; a Black Book Fair featuring books written by Black authors on Feb. 13; and “Black Women Rock,” a celebration and recognition for Black women and their generations of excellence, on Feb. 28.
A complete list of events is available on the Center for Engagement and Inclusion website.
