National Park Service Speaker SeriesHosted by Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the National Park Service Speaker Series is an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering awareness and dialogue about critical issues of equality, justice, and human rights. Featuring a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers, including activists, scholars, and leaders from various fields, the series will a platform for learning powerful stories and gaining historical insights. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations on historical and contemporary civil rights challenges, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for social justice and the importance of collective action in creating a more equitable society.
Upcoming Presenters in the NPS Speaker SeriesSaturday, October 26 - 11:00 A.M.Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton - A Conversation on Desegregation at Central High School after the Crisis Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton is a lifelong educator and advocate for social justice. As the first three-year African American graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Dr. Hampton regularly engages with students and the public, discussing her experiences and the importance of inclusivity. She served as President of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and Contributions Manager at the GTE Corporate Foundation before retiring in 2006. Her 23-year academic career included roles at Iona College, the University of Wisconsin, and Southwestern University. Early in her career, she taught elementary school and worked at the Social Security Payment Center. Dr. Hampton holds degrees in English Literature, Teaching, and Higher Education from Earlham College, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University's Teachers College. She has received numerous honors, including awards from the University of Chicago, Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Little Rock Central High School Tiger Foundation. She has held leadership roles with the Little Rock Aesthetic Club, the Little Rock Club, and various boards, and remains active in the community as a Life Member of several organizations, including the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Arkansas Symphony Guild. After retirement, Dr. Hampton served as Interim General Manager of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and continues to consult on economic, educational, and social justice issues. A prominent speaker, she has addressed audiences on topics related to the American school desegregation struggle, including international presentations in Northern Ireland. Previous presenters in the NPS Speaker Series
Saturday, August 17, 2024 Dr. John Kirk - "A Conversation on the Civil Rights Movement in Little Rock after the Central High Crisis" Saturday, September 14, 2024 Joseph McGill, Jr. - "A Conversation on the Social History of Our Built Environment" |
Last updated: September 30, 2024