“Race, politics and class in the 21st century” will be the topic of discussion when Michael Eric Dyson, African American writer, radio host and professor at Georgetown University, visits Fresno City College’s gym on Friday, April 25, 2008.
Dyson is a prominent scholar, preacher and best-selling author.
His public speech focuses on race, religion, pop culture and other contemporary issues in the African-American community.
Dyson is no stranger to controversy, whether it’s putting spotlight on the class conflict in the African American community or exposing the failures of the government is response to Hurricane Katrina.
Dyspon recently criticized Bill Cosby over comments the iconic comedian made in a 2004 speech.
Cosby had stated that -*urban poor blacks add to the social and economic tribulations that affect them.
Cosby went on to state African American men in the poorest of communities aren’t taking responsibility for the care of their families and community.
He condemned Cosby’s comments by calling it abuse of the “Afristocracy” or well-to-do in the black community upon the poor blacks.
In 2005, Dyson published “Is Bill Cosby Right?: Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its Minds?” A more lengthy examination of the “Afristocracy” versus the “Ghettocracy” (the urban poor blacks)
Dyson has taught at DePaul University, Chicago Theological Seminary, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Columbia University and Brown University, before going to the University of Pennsylvania in 2003; there he was the Avalon Professor of Humanities.
On July 3, 2007 Georgetown University announced the appointment of Dyson as University Professor. He teaches theology, English, and African American studies.
According to an article on explore.georgetown.edu, Georgetown University Provost James J.O’Donnell was quoted as saying, “Professor Dyson is an intellectual leader in society and academia.”
“At Georgetown we look forward to his continued societal impact and anticipate the contributions he will make to enhance our vibrant academic community,” the quote continued.
Dyson is an accomplished, award-winning author as well. He has published over 16 books. His latest book is called “April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Death and How It Changed America.”
What makes Dyson’s appearance at FCC significant is the timing; it’s the 40th anniversary of Dr.King’s death and the country is in the middle of a historical presidential election, where for the first time in American history, a black man or woman can become president.
According to Gurdeep Sihota, Director of College Activities, Eric Dyson’s visit to FCC has been an option for a while.
“I wanted him to visit the campus,” said Bernard Navarro, American Indian Studies instructor said “he was high on my list.”
“He’s a brilliant speaker and very intelligent. His scholarship has inspired me,” Navarro also said.
Navarro added that Eric Dyson is a fearless leader and for whom he has a lot of respect for his scholarship.
Although his appearance in the coming weeks is anticipated and welcomed, there are still many mixed feelings.
Nursing major, Amanda Cummings said, more promotion of the event needs to be more evident.
Another FCC student suggests that more signs and information can be posted around the campus.
“I hope his talk raises important questions about race and other touchy topics,” said Navarro “I hope a dialogue takes place on campus.”
According to Navarro Dyson’s speech will be approximately an hour long; afterwards, he will field questions from the audience.
“His approach to issues is accessible to everyone,” said Navarro “He’s a community person,”
“He does raise questions, but he does it without being offensive,” continued Navarro. “He’s controversial though.”
Navarro said Dyson isn’t a speaker who speaks to a specific group of people.
“He’s willing to speak to the masses,” Navarro said. “He’s speaks for the people.”
