Springfield, Mo., March 22, 2024 – Drury University will welcome Cheryl Brown Henderson as a distinguished lecturer at Stone Chapel on Friday, April 5. She will deliver a lecture titled “Brown v. Board of Education at 70.” Her talk will explore the significance and legacy of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
Henderson, founding President of the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, brings extensive expertise in education, business and civic leadership. With a background spanning education, political advocacy and public policy, she holds degrees from Baker University and Emporia State University. Recognized for her contributions to education and community service, Henderson advocates for equality and preserving historic landmarks.
Stone Chapel also holds significance, as it sits close to the Benton Avenue A.M.E. Church, where Henderson’s father, the Rev. Oliver Brown, served as pastor. The Rev. Brown had a pivotal role in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case, challenging the “separate but equal” doctrine and advocating for equal educational opportunities for all.
The convocation lecture directly follows the preliminary panel discussions on a variety of topics for the Diversity and Reconciliation Undergraduate Conference, which starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. in F.W. Olin Library.
“I wish to thank the Drury Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Drury Honors program, the Meador Center, the Inclusion Council, the Student Government Association and the Religious Activities Fund for making Ms. Henderson’s speech possible,” said Dr. Peter Browning, Professor of Philosophy & Religion and Drury University’s Chaplain.
The Planning Committee members for this day’s events include Grant Booker, Professor Greg Booker, Maeve Duden, Dr. Katherine Gilbert, Dr. Peter Meidlinger, Dr. Ginney Norton, Josh Rushing, Dr. Richard Schur, Evan Shriver, Dr. Samee Siddiqui, Serenity Sosa, Dr. Rosalyn Thomas, Professor Jo Van Arkel, Dr. Michael Verney and Dylan Worden.
The lecture at Stone Chapel will take place on April 5 from 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. and is open to the public.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu