Monmouth University Interdisciplinary Pre-Conference on Race

Monmouth University will open its Fifth Biennial “Interdisciplinary Conference on Race,” with a pre-conference line-up on November 8, that will feature building developer, Roger Mumford, of Roger Mumford Homes LLC.  The firm is currently developing the T. Thomas Fortune House, a National Historic Landmark, and once the home of African American journalist and newspaper editor, T. Thomas Fortune, a social justice crusader.

Mumford’s discussion is titled: “The Future of Suburban Planning,” scheduled for 2 p.m. in the University Library, room 102.  Once Mumford discovered the significance and contributions made by Fortune to the social justice landscape of the nation, he stepped in to save the home, which had fallen into terrible disrepair.  The home, which Fortune lived in from 1901-1910 is currently being restored as the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and is scheduled to open in 2018.  Mumford has developed over 4,000 homes in 80 communities and has received over 50 industry awards.

This pre-conference event will also highlight the following topics, “African Leadership in Medieval Europe,” led by Dr. Maghan Keita at 10 a.m. in the University Library, room 102; Following Mumford’s discussion at 2 p.m., will be “Black Women in American Education,” led by Dr. Arika Easley-Houser at 6 p.m. in the Theater, Hesse Hall.

Dr. Maghan Keita is a history professor and director of the Institute for Global Interdisciplinary Studies at Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Keita’s work focuses on African, African-American, European and World histories, political economy and Development Studies. He is the author of many pieces in his area of expertise, including Race and the Writing of History: Riddling the Sphinx (Oxford University Press, 2000). Dr. Maghan Keita is sure to bring a unique perspective and topic to the conference, which will be an educating experience for all involved.

Dr. Arika Easley-Houser is a faculty member at Rutgers Preparatory School in the history department and directs the SAT/ACT program. She is also an adjunct faculty member at several universities, including Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey City University and Thomas Edison State University. Prior to her position at the Rutgers Preparatory school, Houser completed her PhD. Houser has been immersed in education in this country for most of her life, making her the perfect individual to discuss education in America, especially pertaining to African American women.

The 5th Biennial Interdisciplinary Conference on Race:  will open Nov. 9-11 with a cadre of academic scholars from across the nation that will engage in thought-provoking discussions and a range of topics.  To register for the event and to see the line-up of discussions please visit www.monmouth.edu