In the wake of #BlackLivesMatter, voices like political activist Mia McKenzie’s shed light on the ongoing racism that young people face everyday simply because of the color of their skin.
On Saturday, March 7, 2015, Mia McKenzie will speak on anti-blackness as part of the ASUO Women’s Center’s Lyllye B Parker Speaker Series. Her talk will be held in the University of Oregon EMU Ballroom at 7 p.m. The event is free, accessible and open to the public.
McKenzie is an African American writer, blogger and an outspoken activist for queer people of color. Her keynote speech will focus on anti-blackness. She is also the creator of Black Girl Dangerous, an online venue for queer and trans* people of color to voice shared experiences of identity as well as oppressions. Black Girl Dangerous also acts as an educational platform for individuals wanting to understand how.
Media Contact: Suzie Barrientos, (503)269-6111 cell phone number, diversitywc@gmail.com
About the Lyllye B. Parker Speaker Series
Now in its 4th year, the series honors the legacy that Ms. Lyllye has created at the University of Oregon and in Eugene. One of the first African American families to settle in Eugene, Ms. Lyllye was told in high school her only career options were to be a hairdresser, a nurse or a housekeeper. Against such clear discrimination, Lyllye went on to pursue a degree in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies at the University of Oregon. Upon graduating she accepted a position in the Office of Multicultural Affairs as an Academic Advisor for 17 years where she mentored hundreds of young students of color to pursue their dreams.
“We honor Ms. Lyllye’s contributions to the University of Oregon through the Lyllye B. Parker Speaker Series. Bringing speakers to campus whose work progresses the voices of communities of color empowers us to demand an educational experience that honors our histories and experiences.”– Andrea Valderrama, Former Diversity Coordinator of the ASUO Women’s Center and current Outreach and Policy Advisor for the City of Portland.