By Charity Montieth/se news editor
While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks were key figures in the civil rights movement, countless others gave their lives to fight the battle against racial injustice.
An author who has written about the movement will visit three TCC campuses next week to share some of their stories.
Deric Gilliard will present Unsung Heroes and “Sheroes” of the ’50s and ’60s, Wednesday, Feb. 22, on NE, NW and SE campuses.
Gilliard will tell the stories of what he refers to as Dr. King’s “unknown ground crew.”
These people came from all walks of life—black, white, young and old and dedicated their lives to the civil rights movement. Most remain unknown to the general public, but were instrumental to the movement.
Gilliard’s presentation is based on excerpts from his book, Living in the Shadows of a Legend: Unsung Heroes and “Sheroes” who Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, in which the author says it was his wish to honor 20 people who, otherwise would have been forgotten.
Gilliard, who has been featured on CNN, was the national communications director for Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the civil rights agency founded by King in 1957.
While working at the SCLC, Gilliard had the opportunity to work with and get to know many legendary activists, including Rosa Parks, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Andy Young and Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Gilliard was also the main, non-Muslim promoter in the Million Man March, the 1995 event organized to increase community involvement and voter registration among black men.
Gilliard will speak on all three campuses Tuesday, Feb. 22.
He will be on NW Campus at 10 a.m. in WSTU 1303 and 1305; NE Campus at 12:30 p.m in the Center Corner (NTSU 1615A); and SE Campus at 2:30 p.m. in ESED North Ballroom.
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Author to share stories, insights about civil rights
November 21, 2013