Civil Rights Activist Shaun King Speaks at Bethany College

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Students Hear Vision of a New Civil Rights Movement

BETHANY, W. Va. – Civil rights activist Shaun King, a key voice in racial equality and social justice in America, brought his message of a new civil rights movement to Bethany College Feb. 20.

King spoke to about 250 students, faculty, and guests as part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month on Bethany’s northern West Virginia campus.

His remarks wove a common thread through a number of topical issues, including gun violence and mass shootings, the Black Lives Matter movement, the impact of the news media and social media on race relations, and bridging the social justice gap in America.

King, a columnist for The Intercept, the former Senior Justice Writer at the New York Daily News, and the Writer-In-Residence at Harvard Law School’s Fair Punishment Project, is noted for his use of social media to promote religious, charitable, and social causes.

He held a question and answer session with an audience of Bethany students and moderated by Bethany provost Dr. Joe Lane and trustee Jhamal Robinson. Later, he spoke to a packed house at Bethany’s Wailes Theater on “The New Civil Rights Movement.”

King’s visit to Bethany College was sponsored by the Bethany Student Activities Council, the Bethany Black Student Alliance, and the Office of the Dean of Chapel.

“We strive to be a college that engages in social issues in a way that creates critical thinkers,” said Bethany’s Dean of the Chapel, Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie. “We want to have this conversation on our campus so that we can foster a welcoming community for all.”

About Bethany College

Bethany College, founded in 1840, is the oldest private college in West Virginia. The Bethany experience focuses on academic excellence in the area of liberal arts and prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]