Ida B. Wells-Barnett Distinguished Lecture Series

About the Lecture Series

With support from the President’s Office and President Beverly Tatum, Spelman College has established the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Distinguished Lecture Series, an interdisciplinary inquiry into contemporary issues. Named for the well-known Black woman intellectual, Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931), the series will allow students with a range of academic majors, but an interest in social justice and politics, to explore the role of women, activism and scholarship in today’s political climate.

"As the theme suggests, we want to engage students beyond voting and the mechanics of elections,” said Mona Phillips, Ph.D., professor of sociology and director of the Teaching Resource and Research Center. “Instead, we want our students to think critically about women’s lives and identities - specifically how they perceive themselves as citizens and how this perception gives meaning to their political involvement. We also want to think about the particular issues that define the quality of women’s citizenship.”

The theme for the 2012-2013 academic year is "More than a Vote: Women’s Struggle for Full Citizenship." Using a definition of “politics” beyond voting and the mechanics of elections, we will read and think freely and carefully about the politics of women’s lives and identities. Learn more about the Class of 2016's exploration of Melissa Harris-Perry's Sister Citizen.

Lecture Series Schedule

February 21
Professor Melissa Harris-Perry
Lecture: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Book Signing: 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cosby Academic Center Auditorium and Lobby | Read Press Release

April 16
LGBTQ: The Question of Full Citizenship
Professor Beverly Guy-Sheftall
5 p.m.
Cosby Academic Center Auditorium

Past Lectures

Women, Immigration Policy and Full Citizenship
Political Science Department

Reproductive Justice and "Legitimate Rape"
Film: Silent Choices by Faith Pennick

Panel Discussion: More Than A Vote - Reproductive Justice
and Legitimate Rape