Black Politics in America Subject of March 1 Lecture

SALISBURY, MD---The recent Florida election debacle was the latest example in a long line of election challenges for Blacks that Dr. Akwasi Osei from Delaware State University speaks on  “The State of Black Politics in America” lecture as part of Salisbury State University’s celebration of African-American History Month.

“Blacks came in politically as second class citizens,” Osei said. “It has changed legally for them, but not in reality.” 

The Delaware State professor’s lecture is Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. Admission is free and the public is invited. 

SSU’s Multiethnic Student Services Office will sponsor a speaker reaction panel comprised of Black community leaders following the talk. They include: Edward Lee of the Maryland NAACP; Lavonzella Siggers, Salisbury City Council president; Rachel Polk, member of the Salisbury City Council; Ed Taylor of the Wicomico County Council and Jacqueline Jones, writer for The Daily Times.

Osei said Black politics has always been unique given the history of racism in America. He will discuss that history and recurring themes in Black political life. A member of DSU’s Department of History, Philosophy and Political Science, he believes there has been some positive change and he said he expects progress to continue.

“Blacks need to come together as a group – to mobilize and educate others,” Osei said. 

For information visit the University’s Web site at www.salisbury.edu or call 410-548-4503.