Distinguished Lecture Series set for 2000-01

This year’s list of the Distinguished Lecture Series speakers features a whistle-blower, a boxer, two trailblazing politicians and two mothers who have lost a son and have transformed their grief into positive action.

Jeffrey Wigand, Nov. 15: In 1994, Jeffrey Wigand shared his knowledge of cigarette product design with staff at the United States Food and Drug Administration. Wigand’s willingness to expose the truth about the tobacco industry’s knowledge of the dangers of smoking made him a key witness in tobacco litigation. Wigand’s courageous act of coming forward with the truth was the basis for the acclaimed 1999 film “The Insider.” He continues to fight against the power of the tobacco lobby through his non-profit organization, Smokefree Kids, Inc.

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Nov. 28: Carter’s professional boxing career began in 1961, and his fast and furious style made him a crowd favorite. As Carter prepared to fight for the middleweight championship a second time, his career came to a shuddering halt. He and a teenager were arrested in 1966 for murdering three whites in a New Jersey bar. Despite proclaiming his innocence, Carter was convicted and sentenced to three life terms. In 1974, his case was reheard but not overturned and he was sent back to prison. On Nov. 8, 1985, after serving more than 19 years for a crime he always maintained he did not commit, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter was freed. The highly regarded film “Hurricane” with Denzel Washington in the title role, has chronicled Carter’s battle with the justice system.

Alan L. Keyes, Feb. 13: Former Reagan Administration official Alan L. Keyes is recognized as a leading conservative. An active political figure, Keyes is a two-time presidential candidate and a two-time U.S. Senate Republican nominee. Keyes served as the president of Citizens Against Government Waste from 1989 to 1992 and founded the National Taxpayer Action Day and the Declaration Foundation.

Judy Shepard, Feb. 27: On Oct. 8, 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard were awakened in the middle of the night by a telephone call. Their eldest son, Matthew, was in a coma after being brutally attacked because he was gay. He would later die. Judy Shepard attempt to use her grief over her son’s death to ensure that no other parent will have to endure such pain. She has testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee supporting the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has been involved in a public service campaigning aimed at curbing anti-gay violence.

Ralph Nader, April 17: Honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th Century, consumer activist Ralph Nader has devoted his life to giving ordinary people the tools they need to defend themselves against corporate negligence and government indifference. Nader organized presidential campaigns in 1992, 1996 and 2000 to challenge the “duopoly” of the two-party system. Average citizens, partisan politicians and corporate officers listen when Nader speaks. Whether or not they agree with him on specific issues, they have learned that Nader has added a compelling independent voice to the national body politic.

Afeni Shakur, April 22: Afeni Shakur, the former revolutionary, activist, Black Panther and mother of rap superstar Tupac Shakur, has assumed a new role. After a bullet took her son’s life in September 1996, Afeni Shakur took on the duty of finishing the work he was unable to complete. She inspires audiences with her own remarkable road to peace and empowerment, celebrating the victories of her life and openly acknowledging her struggles so others may rise above their own.

All presentations start at 7:30 p.m. in the Wisconsin Union Theater. Tickets are generally available at the Theater Box Office five days before each event for UW students and union members, and two days before the event for others.

More information: Mark Reischel, (608) 262-2216, mjreisch@students.wisc.edu.