LEWISBURG - Former CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien will appear live on the campus of Bucknell University to moderate her series, "Black in America."
O'Brien, an award-winning journalist and philanthropist, is scheduled to be joined by Antonio French, 21st Ward alderman in St. Louis, Mo., whose profile rose nationally during the protests in Ferguson, Mo.
The event is free and open to the public. It begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Moore Ave. A meet-and-greet follows the panel discussion.
"Black in America" brings the issue of police brutality to college campuses, gathers academics and experts, students, and community members of all races and politics to discuss their personal stories of how policing impacts their lives. The multi-city tour kicks off at Bucknell and includes a scheduled stop at Bloomsburg University Feb. 12.
Audiences will get an inside look at the latest installment of O'Brien's "Black in America" documentary series, "Black & Blue." It aired on CNN just as protests erupted on American streets.
"'Black in America' is about Americans talking about the uncomfortable issue of race, about opening the floor to new perspectives, problems and the powerful experiences of regular people," O'Brien said in a press release. "This is a forum for the conversation America is ready to have - why do so many black Americans fear the very people that are supposed to protect them?"
Others scheduled to appear are Julianne Malveaux, economist, author and political commentator, Chuck D of Public Enemy via Skype, and Carmen Gillespie, Bucknell English professor and director of the Griot Institute for Africana Studies.
Seating is limited. The event is presented by the Bucknell Student Lectureship Committee, the Campus Activities and Programs center, and the Bucknell Student Government.
For more information, visit www.iamtheconversation.com.