Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom

Meet our final Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom speakers of 2026: Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway of the Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective.

Internationally celebrated for their bold artistry and deep cultural storytelling, the women of Gee’s Bend preserve generations of history through quilting — transforming fabric into powerful narratives of resilience, memory and community.

All Slavery to Freedom events are free. Register to attend virtually or in person, with free parking: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/current-students/student-life/diversity-inclusion-safety/william-g-anderson-lecture-series.

Meet our next Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom speaker: Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

A captivating storyteller and historian, Kendrick brings the powerful legacy of the Negro Leagues to life — highlighting perseverance, excellence and the profound impact of African American baseball on American culture.

All Slavery to Freedom events are free. Register to attend virtually or in person, with free parking: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/current-students/student-life/diversity-inclusion-safety/william-g-anderson-lecture-series.

Michigan State Baseball Detroit Tigers Lansing Lugnuts

Meet our first Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom speaker of 2026: Jelani Cobb, Ph.D.

Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, Dr. Cobb is a nationally recognized voice on race, justice and democracy. His talk, “The Half-Life of Freedom: Race and Justice in America,” will explore how history continues to shape the present and future.

Register for free event access and free parking: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/current-students/student-life/diversity-inclusion-safety/william-g-anderson-lecture-series.

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is proud to introduce the speakers for the 2026 Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom.

For more than two decades, this series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement — past and present — sharing powerful stories, knowledge and insight. This year’s speakers, Jelani Cobb, Ph.D., Bob Kendrick and Mary Ann and China Pettway, continue that legacy while helping us reflect on history and look toward the future.

Learn more about the history, impact and vision behind this series: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/news_overview/news/2026/january/slavery-freedom-series-continues-legacy-while-looking-toward-future

Rounding out our speaker lineup for the 26th annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom are Mary Ann and China Pettway of the world-renowned Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective.

Their artistry is rooted in generations of history, storytelling and cultural expression. Through their work, the quilts of Gee’s Bend continue to inspire, educate and preserve a powerful legacy of creativity and resilience.

Event details coming soon.

Calling all baseball fans. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will join us for the 26th annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom.

Known for his engaging storytelling and dedication to preserving the history and legacy of the Negro Leagues, Kendrick brings powerful insights into resilience, leadership and the American experience.

Stay tuned for more details.

Our first speaker for the 26th annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom is Jelani Cobb, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University.

A leading voice on race, democracy and the power of storytelling, Dr. Cobb brings deep insight into the forces shaping our society today.

More details coming soon.

Get ready to groove -- this week's Slavery to Freedom event features the Rev. Sekou with The Freedom Fighters, bringing blues, soul, gospel and funk, plus the great discussion our series is known for. Register for free event access and free parking: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/.../william-g... See you Thursday at Wharton Center!

Due to anticipated inclement weather, Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee’s presentation for the William G. Anderson lecture series Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey event scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13 has been postponed to 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Pasant Theatre.

While we are disappointed, we are excited Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee will still be able to join the Slavery to Freedom Series this year. Please stay safe, and plan on joining us in March.

And don’t forget the events on Feb. 20 and 27 when our guest speakers, Rev. Osagyefo Sekou and The Freedom Fighters and Dr. Russell Ledet, will join us at the Wharton Center.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

We are elated to share with you our reflection on the legacy and celebration of the 25th anniversary of our annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey! This series has long brought incredible speakers to Michigan State University, and this year’s participants continue that tradition. This year, that trend continues, but we also are taking time to think about the legacy of this program and the legacy we each leave.

Joining us for this year’s series are Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee on February 13, 2025; Rev. Osagyefo Uhuruan Sekou and Band on February 20, 2025; and Dr. Russell Ledet on February 27, 2025. All events will occur at the Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre at 5:00 p.m.

This year’s series will be hybrid, offering two attendance options. For those who can join us in person, we are excited to host you on Michigan State University’s campus as we celebrate Black histories and futures. Each presentation will be live-streamed for those who choose to join us virtually.

Please click here for more details and to register. https://bit.ly/STF2025

We hope you will also share the information of the series with others and attend our events, which are free and open to all.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (517) 432-4979 or email [email protected].