Lake Erie College to host talk by Civil Rights icon Van Gilmer - The News-Herald
Published by: The News-Herald
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Lake Erie College will host a public talk by Van Gilmer, a figure in the American Civil Rights movement, at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at Morley Music Hall, located at 391 W. Washington St., on the college campus in Painesville.
Gilmer, who first made history as a young boy during the landmark 1960’s Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina, will present his talk titled “Racism – America’s Most Challenging Issue,” according to a news release. The presentation aims to be an evening of insight, reflection, and inspiration, as Gilmer draws from his decades of activism, public service, and artistic leadership.
His career includes serving as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for many years, where he helped promote fairness and equity in the workplace; serving as an architect for the U.S. Navy Department and currently as music director for the Baha’i House of Worship for North America, championing music as a powerful bridge for unity and healing.
In addition to his professional achievements, Gilmer remains engaged in grassroots efforts for racial justice. He works closely with organizations such as Race Awareness in the North Shore, Healing Everyday Racism in our Schools, serves on the board of Together is Better, and as a member of the Wilmette Human Relations Commission, the release stated.
The event is free and open to the public. Community members, students, and educators are encouraged to attend.