Leaders of the Memories of a Massacre Project will present two talks on the campus of the University of Memphis.

In the first one, Communication Director Dr. Andre E. Johnson will give a talk titled “Does Black Truth Matter?: Black Lives and the Disregard and Recovery of Black Truth.” In it, Johnson will argue that one of the aims of the Black Lives Matter movement is to reclaim and recover Black Truth and testimony. Through a reading of testimony from the Memphis Massacre in 1866 and contemporary Black Truth and testimony, Dr. Johnson argues that Black Truth is an indispensable part of the movement. Moreover, he maintains that if we are to move forward in race relations, Black Truth must matter.

The University of Memphis will hold this talk in the University Center in the River Room on February 16, 2016 at 1:00pm. 

In the second talk, Co-Director Dr. Susan O’Donovan will offer an overview of the Memphis Massacre. Titled “Reconstruction: The Untold Story,” Dr. O’Donovan will offer an interactive lecture designed to engage audience members to ask, answer, or even pose questions of their own. Since there are no historical markers, no statutes that honor the fallen, no parks or museums, one of Dr. O’Donovan’s aims is to help fill the gap in this absence of history.

The University of Memphis will hold this talk in Mitchell Hall in the Auditorium on February 19, 2016 at 12:45pm. 

Both events are free and the public is invited. For more information, go to our website.