By Jessica Sierocki, photo editor.
Delta will be hosting its 18th annual President’s Speaker Series on Oct. 26, focusing on different perspectives of the 2016 presidential election and candidates.
“The President’s Speaker Series was created 18 years ago to promote critical thinking and civic engagement. Students listen to nationally and world renowned speakers on a variety of national and global issues. Our speakers offer diverse viewpoints and students and community members have the opportunity to listen and participate in dialogue with the speakers,” says Barb Handley-Miller, Chair of the President’s Speaker Series Committee.
Rosa Clemente will be one speaker at the forum. According to her website, she has been a constant presence through the many political struggles facing Black and Latina people.
“I think she will especially bring a perspective that’s not talked about a lot in the media right now and why she believes the green party reflects more of what we need in this country when it comes to equality for groups, Black Lives Matter and overall protections for LGBT individuals,” says Liz Ullrich, moderator of the upcoming forum.
Ruben Navarrette Jr. will also speak at the event. According to his website, Navarrette uses his knowledge of policy, politics and his life experiences to provide meaningful and hard-hitting commentary to the readers of his bi-weekly newspaper column.
“His experiences, writings and interviews have been about his background of being Latino. [This] tends to influence his perspective on politics and what we can do more of in this country to serve the needs of those who are historically or currently discriminated against,” says Ullrich.
Clemente and Navarette will share their life experiences and show how much of an impact minorities can have during an election. “We’re talking about the issues that matter to the people voting and these candidates need to make sure they’re relating to the issues and making sure they’re doing something about it,” says Ullrich.
“We are proud the event allows the campus and community to have the opportunity to hear diverse insights on the election and the resulting trends and shifts in American politics,” says Handley-Miller.
The President’s Speaker Series is funded by the college president’s office and the Barbara and Peter Boyse Endowment, through the Delta College Foundation. The event will take place Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Delta College Lecture Theater and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Barb Handley-Miller at 989-686-9198 or email her at barbarahandley-mille@delta.edu.
