Purdue News

November 8, 2002 Purdue Black Cultural Center sponsors book discussion WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Black Cultural Center library at Purdue University will sponsor a talk by Purdue University political science professor J.L. Jeffries about his latest book, "Huey P. Newton: The Racial Theorist." Jeffries will discuss his book from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Black Cultural Center. This discussion is free and open to the public. Jeffries' research interests include racial politics, media and politics, and public policy. He has held fellowships and teaching posts at Harvard University, Indiana University and Morehouse College. Jeffries also volunteers at the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy, where he helps young adults earn their high school diplomas. In "Huey P. Newton: The Radical Theorist" (University Press of Mississippi), Jeffries considers the entire arc of Newton’s political role and influence on the Black Power Movement and African-American thought. Dorothy Washington, BCC librarian, says the book offers keen insights on what motivated one of America's most prominent African-American activists. "Newton was a very charismatic leader, but not much has been written about him," Washington says. "Not only does the book provide an in-depth examination of Newton's ideas, it also illuminates the core tenets and evolving philosophies of the Black Panther Party." The author of "Virginia's Native Son: The Election and Administration of Governor L. Douglas Wilder" (2000), Jeffries also has published in such periodicals as the "Western Journal of Black Studies," the "Journal of Political Science" and "Ethnic and Racial Studies." CONTACT: Dorothy Ann Washington, (765) 494-3093, dwashin2@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page