Groups collaborate on Pauli Murray events

Four groups within the University of North Georgia (UNG) are collaborating in "Song of Pauli Murray," to highlight Pauli Murray, a mixed-race, nonbinary person who impacted U.S. socio-politics profoundly through their work as a lawyer, activist, teacher, writer, and priest.

"Song of Pauli Murray" is sponsored by UNG's Department of English, College of Arts and Letters, Gender Studies Council, and Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA).

"History and literature studies are necessarily selective, so they inevitably leave gaps. Filling those gaps by exploring little-known figures like Murray can help us gain a fuller, more accurate understanding of our world and who we are," Dr. Tanya Bennett, professor of English, said. "In fact, it seems that Murray's nonbinary perspective enabled them to see with great clarity across ideological boundaries to identify the problems of U.S. law and social policy, and to work toward resolving those issues."

Austin Riede, senior co-director of the Gender Studies Council, echoed Bennett's thoughts.

"I am excited to be a part of this project because Pauli Murray has had a very important but under-acknowledged influence on American political and cultural progress on equal rights. I hope that our students will benefit from this opportunity to learn about an extraordinary American intellectual," Riede said. 

The series includes events designed to "enrich students' studies by exploring this underappreciated historic figure," Bennett said.

Included in the series are:

• Oct. 5, 1:00-1:50 p.m., Nesbitt 4105, Gainesville Campus: "Jane Crow Picarex: A Study of Pauli Murray's Song in a Weary Throat," presented by Bennett.
• Oct. 24, 12:30-1:45 p.m., Robinson Ballroom, Gainesville Campus: Screening of the 2021 documentary "My Name Is Pauli Murray." 
• Nov. 1, 6-7 p.m., via Zoom: A talk presented by Dr. Jenn Jackson, assistant professor and senior research associate, Campbell Institute of Public Affairs at Syracuse University
• Nov. 2, 12:30 p.m., Library and Technology Center Room 382, Dahlonega Campus: Screening of the 2021 documentary "My Name Is Pauli Murray."

"The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is excited to partner with Dr. Tanya Bennett to bring more awareness to Pauli Murray's life and legacy. We hope that this series of events will inspire students to read their work and learn more about their work in the community," Kyle Murphy, MSA associate director, said.