Massasoit to Host Longtime Civil Rights Activist Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. for Virtual Event

January 25, 2022 – Massasoit Community College welcomes the public to its 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event: “Nonviolence in a Time of Civil Unrest,” on Wednesday, February 9 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Special guest Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. will share the powerful, harrowing, and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961 that changed America forever, seen through the eyes of a 20-year-old student. From the Freedom Rides and Selma voter registration to advising the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri in peaceful protest, Dr. Lafayette is recognized nationally and around the world as an authority on the strategy on nonviolent social change.

“It’s an honor to have Dr. Lafayette speak to the Massasoit community and anyone who shares our commitment to racial and social justice, awareness, and inclusivity,” said Massasoit President Ray DiPasquale. “Dr. Lafayette has devoted his life to institutionalizing nonviolence, and his work and messages are as relevant today as they were during the civil rights movement. We all look forward to learning from him.”

Dr. Lafayette co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960 with his college roommate, Rep. John Lewis. From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans, including Dr. Lafayette, risked their lives and many endured savage beatings and imprisonment – for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South, sorely testing their belief in nonviolent activism.

He directed the Selma, Alabama Voter Registration Project in 1962 and was appointed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be National Program Administrator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and National Coordinator of the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. In the last few years, Dr. Lafayette has worked with and counseled the wonderful people of Ferguson, Missouri in peaceful nonviolent protest. He is an ordained minister, professor, educator, and lecturer.

The event is free, open to the public, and will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendees are asked to register in advance for Nonviolence in a Time of Civil Unrest. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information to join the event.

Massasoit Community College encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions related to access for this event, please contact Rachel Daniel at 508-588-9100 x1813 or email rdaniel@massasoit.mass.edu in advance of your participation or visit.