Springfield, MO, August 28, 2023 – As part of its 150^th anniversary celebrations, Drury University is proud to bring prominent civil rights leader, educator and author, Valarie Kaur, to campus. The public is invited to hear Kaur speak about “Diversity and Reconciliation” at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on September 18, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, innovator, and best-selling author of SEE NO STRANGER. She is the founder of the Revolutionary Love Project, where she leads a movement to reclaim love as a force for justice. Valarie burst into global consciousness when her Watch Night Service address went viral with 40 million views worldwide. Valarie became an activist when a Sikh father and family friend, Balbir Singh Sodhi, was the first person murdered in hate violence in the aftermath of 9/11. For two decades, in his memory, Valarie led visionary campaigns to tell untold stories and change policy on issues ranging from hate crimes to solitary confinement to digital freedom. In 2021, she led the People’s Inauguration, inspiring millions of Americans to renew their role in building a healthy, multiracial democracy. Today, the Revolutionary Love Project equips communities with practical tools to transform the nation from inside out.

“Valarie’s life journey and dedication to promoting love as a force for justice makes her the ideal speaker for the Drury School of Religion theme of Diversity and Reconciliation,” said Drury Chaplain and Professor of Religion, Peter Browning. “Her powerful advocacy and ability to inspire millions aligns perfectly with the values we strive to celebrate during Drury’s 150th anniversary.”

Kaur’s speech is made possible through the Drury School of Religion, the Matthew 25 Project Fund and the Religious Activities Fund and is free for the public to attend. After her talk, Kaur will host a book signing from noon – 1 p.m. in the O’Reilly Family Event Center followed by a luncheon in Drury’s Findley Student Center ballroom. Members of the public who would like to attend the luncheon, are asked to fill out this form and provide $10 a person for the meal.

For more information on Drury’s 150^th anniversary events, please visit Drury.edu/150.

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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations Office: (417) 873-7390 Email: JCooper020@drury.edu

Drury University to host civil rights leader Valarie Kaur for a talk on Diversity and Reconciliation

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