Civil Rights Day
Tarleton State University and the Office of Diversity and
Inclusion commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act on
October 14th. To celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights Era of
American history, Tarleton State University hosted a day of events on campus,
called Civil Rights Day.
Tarleton students played a major role in the success of the
day. Across campus students could be seen advocating civil rights topics,
picketing, and engaging in meaningful discussion about the various liberties
that were won for minorities during this era. The Office of Diversity brought
various student organizations and programs into the mix including MENtal
Freedom, Bold, Multicultural Ambassadors, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and
Tarleton Allies. Each of these organizations took the opportunity to advocate
issues that related to them.
Even so, this day was not a celebration that was limited to
students. Professor Dr. Eric Morrow and The Department of Social Sciences
worked very hard to ensure that the celebration included Tarleton staff,
faculty, administration, and the community as whole as well. Because of their
efforts, Tarleton was addressed by numerous professors like Dr. Marcy Tanter,
who explained through poetry, what civil rights meant to her. Many other
professors joined in the celebration and each brought a unique perspective and
understanding of the legacy created by activists that came before us.
Although it was an entire day of activities, the excitement
of the day peaked near the time the keynote took the stage. Former mayor of
Atlanta and an activist at the March on Washington, Shirley Franklin addressed
a Tarleton audience that was enthusiastic to listen to her message. The first
female African-American mayor of a major southern city, Franklin was elected in
2002 and served two terms until 2009. During her eight years in office, Atlanta
experienced unprecedented growth and afforded Franklin the opportunity to
partner and collaborate with local and regional leaders in addressing policy
changes. She is best known as an advocate of ethics reform in government. In
addition to her role as a public official, Franklin’s community service spanned
nearly 40 years in Atlanta and included active participation in the arts,
higher education and homelessness issues. Franklin delivered an inspiring
message focusing on the importance of capitalizing and building upon the
“inheritance” that we all enjoy today.
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