The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Lecture at Hope College will feature Dr. Joy DeGruy, a nationally and internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter, who will deliver the address "We Have Been Here Before: Challenges and Courageous Alternatives" on Monday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
DeGruy is the acclaimed author of the book “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome — America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing,” with a second book in the works, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Part 2: Be The Healing.” With more than 20 years of experience as a professional in the field of social work, she provides practical insight into various cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary American society.
Through lectures, workshops, seminars and special guest appearances, she highlights the critical issues affecting society. She previously spoke in the Holland area in 2018 during the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s Summit on Race and Inclusion.
DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications; master degrees in social work and clinical psychology; and a doctorate in social work research.
DeGruy’s presentation is sponsored by Herman Miller Inc. and the college’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion, multicultural student organizations and GROW Collaboration, and will be taking place as part of the college’s annual Civil Rights Celebration week. The week honors all persons and groups who have worked toward the advancement of civil rights and social justice, and is organized in conjunction with the national commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dimnent Memorial Chapel is located at 277 College Ave., at the corner of College Avenue and 12th Street.