'Beyond the Dream' welcomes Bobby Seale September 23, 2008

Bobby Seale, one of the most provocative black political activists of the 1960s, headlines a yearlong observance at Mercyhurst College called "Beyond the Dream," an initiative designed to examine the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the occasion of what would have been his 80th birthday.

Seale, who co-founded the Black Panther Party in 1966 and played a leading role in the social protests of that era, will speak at Mercyhurst on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 8:15 p.m. in the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center. His talk is free and open to the public.

Seale's talk "A Black Panther's Story Then and Now" launches a host of themed events, including several speakers, a film, book reading, art exhibits, a panel discussion, and concerts throughout the 2008-2009 academic year.

"As a college that seeks to inspire lifelong learning, 'Beyond the Dream' challenges us to examine the King legacy beyond the context of his 'I Have a Dream' speech," said organizer Dr. John Olszowka. "Our goal is to look at all of his ideas, from peace to poverty, in an attempt to deepen our understanding of the issues that fueled both the Civil Rights Movement and King's vision of social justice."

Seale was born Oct. 22, 1936, in Dallas, Texas. As chairman of the original Black Panthers, he gained notoriety for his vociferous demonstrations during and after the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He was one of the original "Chicago Eight" defendants charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot in the wake of the convention.

In 1974, he resigned as Black Panther chairman and turned his attention toward writing his autobiography, A Lonely Rage. In 1987, he wrote a cookbook, Barbeque'N with Bobby, with proceeds going to grassroots political groups. He also devotes much of his time to Reach Inc., a group focused on youth education programs, which he founded in 1992.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of EriePAGuy.