Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture Series
The FDI Lecture Series is an engaging and dynamic event that serves as a platform for premier critical scholars to share their insights with the campus community. These scholars, drawing from their wealth of expertise and Douglass’ philosophies and scholarship, delve into pressing contemporary issues, providing thought-provoking discussions and perspectives.
In addition to stimulating lectures, the FDI Lecture Series also offers hands-on activities designed to actively involve and engage the entire campus community. These interactive sessions provide opportunities for participants to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the topics at hand. By combining intellectual discourse with practical engagement, the FDI Lecture Series aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and promote active participation among students, faculty, and staff alike.
Past FDI Lectures
Spring 2024
The Korean Wave (Hallyu) 3.0
“Rethinking Eurocentric Education through South Korean Culture and Education” by Dr. SungEun Min (FDI SCHOLAR, EMLT)
March 7
Building on the momentum of Hallyu 2.0, defined by the spread of Korean pop culture via online platforms, this lecture series foresees the emergence of Korean Wave 3.0 (Hallyu 3.0). It asserts Korean education as a compelling force poised to contest the Eurocentric curriculum and instruction, challenging the Northern/Euro-centric dominance in global knowledge production in the field of education. Rooted in the personal narratives of a former South Korean elementary teacher, the lecture aims to provide insights and perspectives on this transformative wave.
Fall 2023
What to the Black Woman is Equity in S.T.E.M.?
by Dr. Theresa Y. Robinson (Elmhurst University)
October 24
The Fall 2023 FDI Lecture, "What to the Black women is equity in STEM," delivered by Dr. Theresa Robinson from Elmhurst University, was a compelling exploration into diversity and equity in STEM fields. Held on Tuesday, October 24th, the event commenced with a bustling networking breakfast reception at 10:30 am, fostering connections and conversations among attendees. Dr. Robinson's lecture at 11 am sparked insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities for Black women in STEM, delving into the crucial aspect of equity within these fields. The session didn't conclude there; participants stayed engaged in a vibrant Q&A session following the lecture, further deepening the dialogue. Additionally, a hands-on terrarium-building workshop by Gallivanting Greenhouse at 12 pm provided a creative outlet and an opportunity for attendees to unwind while discussing the event's themes. In addition, alum and high school science department chair Dr. Leila Little (EdD in Transformative Teaching and Learning) brought her students to attend the lecture, participate in the botany workshop, and visit the planetarium and observatory. Many thanks to Dr. Phil Reed for his tour. This dynamic event served as an essential platform to underscore the importance of diversity and inclusivity in STEM and left participants inspired and
Fall 2023
Radical Activism Beyond a Dream: Examining the Unknown Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Dr. Richard Benson (University of Pittsburgh_
February 7
The New Frederick Douglass Institute welcomed students, faculty, staff, and the community to FDI’s open house on February 7th, 2023. The event featured a convocation by Dr. James Jackson (Kutztown University), and guest speaker Dr. Richard Benson (University of Pittsburgh), who presented the lecture, “Radical Activism Beyond a Dream: Examining the Unknown Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Dr. Benson led a post-lecture Q&A to respond to individual inquiries about his research. The campus community also practiced mindfulness through a workshop on social justice-oriented coloring and making essential oils. In the afternoon, we kicked off KU's first African American Read-In, a 30+ year national tradition celebrating Black literature. The open house was a dynamic experiential learning opportunity for the campus community and proved to be a service-learning experience for those who volunteered.