Moment or Movement
December 2016
In October, LSU hosted “Moment or Movement: A National Dialogue on Identity, Empowerment, and Justice for All,” a two-day symposium which discussed the tensions and tragedies that took place in Baton Rouge and across the nation during the summer of 2016, and exploring the intersection of politics, identity, and the democratic process.
Signature events included “A Moment” with Don Lemon, CNN host, which explored the events of Baton Rouge in summer 2016 and the media and community response that ensued. The Baton Rouge native and LSU alum argued that money, politics, and power have restricted the daily news business. He admitted that the media, himself included, does a poor job of tackling the issue of race.
The event culminated with “A Movement,” a keynote by civil rights pioneer and Xavier University President Emeritus Dr. Norman Francis, which explored “where we stand now as a society – and where our next steps might take us.”
Francis is living history, spoke openly about his struggle as an African-American man living with the implications of a separate-but-equal system, which was mandated by the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision. He called himself a living example of “coming through” an American system which was intent on “taking away my dignity and opportunity to fulfill my God-given talents.”
The two-day event was open to the public. Other events included musical and spoken word performances; panel discussions with area business leaders and government officials, including Congressman Garrett Graves; a presentation by Paul Taylor, author of “Next America;” a screening of “Remember the Titans;” and explorations of media coverage and its impact on social justice.
“It is very important that we come together and talk about rational, civil dialogue that raises awareness on all these issues. I hope this symposium keeps the dialogue going,” says LSU President, F. King Alexander. “I also hope we come back with great recommendations that our university can use to keep moving forward. It doesn’t end tonight.”
For more information and the symposium agenda, visit www.lsu.edu/momentormovement.
Adapted from a News Release by LSU’s Ashley Arceneaux and Ernie Ballard, as well as an article by Kayla Hampton of The Daily Reveille. You can find the original articles here: http://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2016/09/26momenetormovement.eb.php