Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis presented her scholarship, “The Shadow of Slavery in American Public Life,” at the Wang Center Theater on February 15 as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (OLLI) Lecture Series during Black History Month. More than 60 people attended the event, which included a post-presentation Q&A with questions from the audience.
President McInnis responded to questions about K-12 and higher education as it relates to slavery stories, and she was asked to share her thoughts on southern schools pulling books from shelves about critical race theory. OLLI members discussed Long Island slavery and invited her to a virtual event on the topic. Several OLLI members said that they are eager to take a trip to Richmond, Virginia, to see President McInnis’ work.
“The invitation to present my scholarship as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Lecture Series during Black History Month was very meaningful to me. Much of the United States has a history that is deeply entangled with the history of enslavement, including right here on Long Island and throughout the North, and yet in most towns and cities the physical remnants of that history have been erased. Yet, the shadows persist. The work of bringing those histories forward is often a vital step in the process of remembering, reconciling, and moving forward towards a more inclusive future,” said President Maurie McInnis.
Learn More About OLLI
OLLI is a popular, ever-expanding program that currently provides more than 700 retired or semi-retired Long Islanders with programming designed for folks who are 50+ years of age. Having an OLLI at SBU membership gives participants access to a wide variety of workshops, lectures, trips and special events throughout the year. It is a great way to enhance your retirement with opportunities to learn new things, meet new people, stay active and be part of the Stony Brook University community. By joining OLLI, you’ll have the opportunity to take workshops led by fellow members on the SBU campus, on Zoom or a mix of both. If traditional classroom learning isn’t what you’re looking for, OLLI offers many events outside the classroom, such as trips to places like New York City and the East End of Long Island. Some of OLLI at SBU’s newest initiatives include weekly get-togethers at local restaurants and recreational physical fitness programs designed to help keep both your mind and body active. OLLI at SBU focuses on the joys of learning. No matter your age or interests, the program has something unique for you. The program is designed specifically to meet retirees’ intellectual and social needs.
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