The Center for the Education of Women is pleased to confirm that Alice Walker has accepted our invitation to speak on the U-M campus. She will deliver the biennial Zora Neale Hurston Lecture. Nov. 5, 2014, co-sponsored with the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies. The Zora Neale Hurston lecture at the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies honors Hurston, the most prolific African-American woman writer of her time, who brought to life the power, richness and complexity of black cultures for many readers.

The lecture will be the closing of a series of events throughout 2014 marking the 50th anniversary of the CEW. The lineup includes a mix of events that honor the past, celebrate accomplishments, and envision the future. Plans for the celebration reflect CEW’s ongoing passions: recognizing women’s contributions in all aspects of American culture; embracing research endeavors and advocacy efforts that will serve to better women’s lives; and working directly with individuals.

A Celebration of Women and Film  January 14, 2014, Michigan Theatre
The anniversary celebration will open with a gift to the community. A series of short films that illuminate aspects of women’s lives will be followed by a reception with birthday cake. Community partners who are committed to women’s causes will be on hand to discuss their work.

Conference: Women’s Economic Security and Mobility  May 14-16, 2014, Rackham Building
This 2 ½ day interdisciplinary, multi-sector conference will feature a theory-to-practice focus on identifying and combating barriers that women living in poverty face as they seek economic security and mobility. National researchers and practitioners will join U-M faculty, bringing multiple perspectives to this complex concern with policy recommendations as the expected outcome.

Scholar Appreciation Weekend and Gala   October 17-18, 2014
This weekend will recognize the 2014 CEW scholars while providing opportunities for former scholars and fellows to reconnect. CEW has been awarding scholarships to nontraditional students at the University since 1970.

Zora Neale Hurston Lecture: Alice Walker   November 5, 2014, Rackham Auditorium
In collaboration with the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, the Center for the Education of Women will bring Alice Walker to the Michigan campus to deliver the 20th Zora Neale Hurston lecture. The lecture will serve as the closing event of CEW’s 50th Anniversary.