February 6, 2012

“Race and Politics in America”
CBU Celebrates Black History Month

Memphis - Christian Brothers University (CBU) will celebrate Black History Month by hosting “Race and Politics in America” with political analysts Ben Ferguson and Joseph Kyles on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Spain Auditorium on the CBU campus.

Both prominent local political analysts, Ferguson and Kyles come from two very different backgrounds but both agree that they can impact a change in America. Ferguson, a Republican, is a persistent champion of the conservative principles of liberty, freedom, and the American dream. As a Democrat, Kyle currently plays a dominant role in local, national and international affairs, and is a committed human rights advocate with extensive travels to Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

Ferguson is recognized across America from his appearances on shows such as "Larry King Live" and “The O'Reilly Factor," and continues to receive national exposure from regular appearances on many, cable news networks, including: CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, FNC and Fox Business Channel.  He is a fixture on the cable TV news/talk shows where he regularly battles the "experts on issues ranging from global warming and Wall Street Bailouts, to foreign affairs and the Obama administration.” He is a current contributor to Memphis’ Fox Channel 13.

Ferguson is proud to have worked with our 43rd Commander in Chief: President George W. Bush. A highlight of his experience was being invited to speak at the Republican National Convention. Ben's first book, It's my America Too! was named by USA Today as a critic’s top-choice book.

Kyles is a diplomatic force for positive change. He serves as the executive producer and host of the Memphis-based weekly community talk radio show Rainbow Push Live on AM 1340 WLOK.  Kyle takes a firm stand on issues like bringing our American Troops home from Iraq, demanding that social security live up to its name for senior citizens in America, and calls for communities to offer equitable funding to all public school children. Joseph offers regular commentaries on the local Fox affiliate on matters of policy, public concerns and politics. Putting his values into practice, Kyle stood on the front line to help the Hurricane Katrina survivors find jobs. 

In addition to this debate, other Black History Month events at CBU include:

A celebration of Cinema: “The Help” on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Spain Auditorium
 
 “The Underground Railroad: Would You Break the Law in the Name of Justice?” a panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Herbert Lester of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and a panel of CBU faculty, staff and students on Thursday, February 16 at 12:15 p.m. in Sabbatini Lounge.

Trivia Night focusing on black history on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Maurelian Lounge as

Tribute to Black History Month in which members of the CBU Community and guests commemorate Black History through musical talents on Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the University Theater.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information about these Black History Month events, contact Karen Conway-Barnett at kconway@cbu.edu or (901) 321-3536. ###