Society of Black Student Social Workers presents ?Celebrate King Holiday 2006: When Does a Dream Become Reality?? Jan. 16

Jan. 10, 2006 -- In an effort to foster and encourage productive and proactive dialogue about race within the School of Social Work at Washington University and the St. Louis region, the Society of Black Student Social Workers (SBSSW) will host "Celebrate King Holiday 2006: When Does a Dream Become Reality?" Jan. 16 from 1-4 p.m. in room 100 of Brown Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

The celebration will begin with a keynote address by Kristal Brent Zook, Ph.D., an award-winning investigative journalist and author. She will reflect on the past and current status of Black America to determine if there has been real progress in race relations.

Zook is a contributing writer for Essence magazine and a commentator on NPR's "News and Notes with Ed Gordon." She also is an adjunct professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

Zook's articles, which focus on race, gender, politics and popular culture in America, have appeared in numerous national publications. She is the author of Color By Fox: The Fox Network and the Revolution in Black Television, and her forthcoming book, Inside of Inspiration: 10 Portraits of Modern Black Women's Lives (working title), is due out in 2006.

After Zook's presentation, a panel discussion will address Issues of civil rights within the St. Louis community. Panelists include Theresa Mayberry-Dunn, Ph.D, president and CEO of Grace Hill and Rabbi Susan Talve from Central Reform congregation.

"Black America has been at the forefront of civil rights movements for over 5 decades," says Valencia Gant and Ebony Hutchinson, co-chairs of the SBSSW.

"Dr. Martin Luther King represents an era where marginalized communities were bridging the inequalities that were created as a result of segregation. The SBSSW views this event as an opportunity for our generation to continue a legacy for seeking justice and equality in all communities."

A reception will follow in Brown Lounge.

For more information, contact Marilyn Hinton at (314) 935-6676.