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Ilyasah Shabazz, author, motivational speaker, social activist and the third daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, will open Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issue's 36^th season.

"Living the Legacy to Empower the Future" will be a conversation moderated by Timothy E. Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, will be held 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Register for this free eventhere.

"I was reading the 'Autobiography of Malcolm X' and saw the forward was written by Attallah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X's daughters," said Grant Andree, Arts & Issues director. "I wondered if any of his daughters made public appearances and found Ilyasah Shabazz on the roster for the American Program Bureau, an agency I've worked with a number of times in the past.

"I was also looking for a speaker who might tie in with the Anti-Racism Task Force's work being done on campus. I felt Ilyasah Shabazz would be a good choice because of her link with the past and her current work of trying to build a better future for everyone."

Lewis, a member of the SIUE Anti-Racism Task Force and the Arts & Issues advisory board, has collaborated to bring Arts & Issues speakers to campus and made for a great choice as moderator, according to Andree.

"It is my hope and belief that in this conversation, Professor Shabazz will convey that social justice should be the aspirational goal of educational institutions, and diversity is only one of the preliminary steps of achieving justice," said Lewis.

"I think we're at another turning point in American history," remarked Andree, "and Ilyasah Shabazz can provide a link with the past, but also a vision for the future. I expect the event to be entertaining and thought provoking."

For more information on Shabazz, visit herwebpage.

Arts & Issuesis tied to the academic mission of the University. For 36 years, the series has presented some of the world's finest performing artists and showcased speakers from across the spectrum in areas such as science, history, literature and politics. The program also offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community to engage with these performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions.

Photo:
Ilyasah Shabazz, author, motivational speaker, social activist and the third daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz.