Civil rights activist Mary Frances Berry speaks March 23 at Appalachian

Posted March 13, 2015 at 3:40 p.m.

BOONE—Dr. Mary Frances Berry will present “Whatever Happened to the Civil Rights Movement?” Monday, March 23, as part of the 2014-15 Forum Series at Appalachian State University. The series theme is “The Civil Rights Act After 50 Years: Is There Justice for All Now?”

Berry’s lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Admission is free and the public is invited.

For more than four decades, Berry has been one of the most recognized and respected voices in the nation’s civil rights, gender equality and social justice movements. As chair of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, Berry led the charge for equal rights and liberties for all Americans through four presidential administrations.

A prolific author, Berry’s books cover a range of subjects, from the history of constitutional racism in America to the politics of parenthood. Her 2010 book, “Power in Words: The Stories behind Barack Obama’s Speeches, from the State House to the White House,” offers insight and historical context of President Obama’s most memorable addresses.

Berry is the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Forum Series is sponsored by the University Forum Committee and University College with additional support from the Joan Askew Vail Endowment and the Office of Multicultural Student Development.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.