Margaret Huang, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, shared her experiences fighting for economic justice in America during a Jan. 23 speech at Brenau University.
Students, faculty and staff came together at the university’s winter convocation to remember the lessons of unity, nonviolence and equality taught by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The annual event focuses on King’s legacy. Attendees were also treated with performances by the Department of Dance and guest artist, Francine Ott.
“Huang is a lifelong supporter of social justice, seeking to remove walls of oppression and discrimination. For her leadership and courage, we are forever grateful, as well as her work of safeguarding vulnerable populations and amplifying the voices of the marginalized.” Brenau President David L. Barnett, Ph. D., said in his welcoming remarks.
Before joining the SPLC, Huang served as the executive director of Amnesty International USA, worked with members of Congress on critical pieces of legislation, and advocated before United Nations human rights officials. She has also published numerous articles and opinion pieces.
Huang shared the importance of remembering King’s teachings of non-violent resistance and the importance of working with communities to incite change.
“Our enemies are not one another, we have to build solidarity and unity by showing that prosperity does not have to come at the expense of any other community,” she said. “If we truly care about our families, our community and our country, we cannot wait for others to take action. We must take action ourselves.”
Huang conveyed her hopes for Brenau students to become involved.
“You can make a tremendous difference,” Huang said. “Now is the time to roll up your sleeves, to get involved and lay the foundation for lifelong activism for our rights.”
Huang also hosted a special forum for students before the event to discuss her work as an activist and with the SPLC.
