Contemporary civil rights icon Bree Newsome to deliver Carleton convocation
In her presentation, “Tearing Hatred from the Sky,” Newsome illustrates how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in transforming society.
Activist and artist Bree Newsome will deliver Carleton College’s weekly convocation address on Friday, Feb. 5, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. over Zoom. In her presentation, “Tearing Hatred from the Sky,” Newsome illustrates how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in transforming society.
Newsome first garnered national attention when she tore down the Confederate flag in front of the South Carolina statehouse in 2015, in the name of social justice and equality. Following the brutal murder of nine black parishioners at Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, S.C., Newsome climbed the flagpole and pulled down the flag in protest. Her arrest galvanized public opinion and led to the permanent removal of the flag. Driven by an unwavering belief in the power of the individual to make change, Newsome established herself as a touchstone of empowerment for disenfranchised people around the world and has become a recognized and celebrated voice on the topics of injustice and racial discrimination.
In addition to her activism, Newsome is a filmmaker and musician. Her film, “Wake,” has won numerous awards, including Outstanding Independent Short Film in the 2012 Black Reed Awards and the Best Short Film at the BET Urban World Film Festival. A musician since childhood, Newsome composed music for the Baltimore Choral Arts Society while in high school and has since released an extended play record titled, “#StayStrong: A Love Song to Freedom Fighters.”
Newsome received her BA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
This Black History Month convocation is sponsored by the Office of Intercultural and International Life. For more information, including disability accommodations, call (507) 222-4308.