The University of Tennessee at Martin’s third annual Dr. Henry H. Parker Speaker Series and Legacy Luncheon will be held Friday, Sept. 26, in the Duncan Ballroom in the Boling University Center. Doors will open at 11 a.m., and the Legacy Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m., with guest speaker Michele Norris to follow shortly after.
Norris is an award-winning journalist, a New York Times bestselling author, a former Washington Post columnist and the first African-American female to host on NPR as co-host of “All Things Considered.”
Dr. Henri Giles, assistant professor of African American studies in the Department of History and Philosophy, is the coordinator of the Dr. Henry H. Parker Speaker Series and Legacy Luncheon.
In more than 67 years in education, Parker inspired students and colleagues alike as a professor at numerous institutions, spending 33 years at UT Martin. Following his retirement in 2023, the Dr. Henry H. Parker Speaker Series was established to honor the legacy of the scholar, educator and social justice advocate.
“When he started, of course, it was during a time when not a lot of doors were open to African-Americans in higher education,” Giles said. “Having spent pretty much half of his teaching career at UT Martin, it’s pretty special.”
Giles was a part of an effort made by UT Martin leadership to honor the legacy of Parker. She felt that an ongoing program was an impactful way to honor him for his work.
Each year, Giles works to bring in a speaker who has made an impact on the world of education, literature or social justice among other fields. Her passion for this program has drawn compelling speakers such as Dr. Ibram Kendi and Ruby Bridges in previous years.
Giles added that education does not always look like a classroom lecture, and this program is an opportunity for students and community members to expand their horizons and experience new perspectives.
The program will take place during UT Martin’s Family Weekend, Sept. 26-28. Registration is required for this program at no cost. To register, go to www.utm.edu/visit and click on “Featured Events” and click on the Family Weekend link.
No bags, purses or backpacks will be allowed at this program. The use of any recording devices – including but not limited to cellphones, video cameras or digital recorders – is not permitted during this program. For more information about UT Martin visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
