欧美视频

Honored by organizations that include BET and considered the architect of the Moral Movement, the Rev. Dr. William Barber II will make a public presentation at the University of Central Missouri . 

WARRENSBURG, MO 鈥� As part of its ongoing effort to bring guest speakers to campus to discuss significant social and economic issues related to justice, health, wellness, and community strength, the 欧美视频 will present the program, 鈥淩ev. Dr. William Barber II, We are Called to Be a Movement.鈥� This free public presentation sponsored by UCM鈥檚 Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity is open to all interested individuals and will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, in Hendricks Hall, located in the Administration Building. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Barber was one of BET鈥檚 (Black Entertainment Television) 100 Entertainers and Innovators of the Year in 2020. Considered the architect of the Moral Movement, he is a sought-after speaker who has presented keynote remarks at hundreds of events across the nation. He has been described by media as 鈥渙ne of the most prominent 鈥� and relentless advocates for poor people,鈥� and is engaged in leadership posts for many organizations that address social issues, pursue justice, build community and promote public healing. Such service includes positions as President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, an ecumenical activist group which trains and organizes religious leaders across the nation; co-chair of the Poor People鈥檚 Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival; Bishop with the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary and Senior Fellow at Auburn Seminary, in New York City.

Barber began his ministry as pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he has served for nearly 30 years, and has been part of efforts that have raised more than $12 million for community development. He also is a prolific author, having written four books: 鈥淲e are Called to be a Movement鈥�; 鈥淩evive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing鈥�; 鈥淭he Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of the New Justice Movement鈥�; and 鈥淔orward Together: A Moral Message for the Nation.鈥�

He gained national attention for initiating in 2013 weekly Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly, which were revived in 2018 under the Poor People鈥檚 Campaign banner. In the early 1960s, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with help from others, created the Poor People鈥檚 Campaign through protests that called for a moral agenda and a moral budget that took place at state capitals and in Washington, D.C.  Over the past four years, millions of people have participated in Poor People鈥檚 Campaign events nationwide.

鈥淲e must shock the nation with the power of love. We must shock this nation with the power of mercy. We must shock this nation and fight for justice for all. We can鈥檛 give up the heart of our democracy. Not now, not ever,鈥� said Barber.

Barber also presented the homily at the 59th Inaugural Prayer Service for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He spoke at the Vatican in 2017 in response to Pope Francis鈥� encyclical 鈥淟audato Si鈥�: On Care for Our Common Home,鈥� and was invited back to speak in 2021. He also spoke in June 2018 to individuals representing 25 countries at the 5th UNI Global Union World Congress and was added to the Black Achievers Wall at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, England. Many colleges and universities have honored him, including conferring upon Barber 10 honorary degrees.

Individuals who want to know more about Barber鈥檚 visit to UCM are welcome to contact Mona Duncan, administrative assistant in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, at 660-543-4603 or mduncan@ucmo.edu.