Marc Lamont Hill

In the last 50 years, America’s youth have been increasingly marginalized in society. Marc Lamont Hill says we’ve replaced a language of love, when talking about our youth, with one of blame. America has inflicted injunctions on gangs, legislation against baggy pants, and attacks on rap music, all leading to the propaganda that today’s youth are worse than young generations before them. Hill wants to combat the misconceptions plaguing today’s youth with an acknowledgement that, as integral to American society’s fabric, they are rich with resources rather than social burdens.

Professor, author, and cultural critic Marc Lamont Hill offers a critical analysis of the current social and political moment. By identifying key issues, challenges, controversies, and trends that have emerged or lingered during the “Obama era,” Dr. Hill spotlights the work that must be done to sustain the progress of the Freedom Struggle. Moving beyond mere critique, he also provides concrete solutions, as well as sites of hope and possibility for healing our national, local, and university communities.

As we enter the 21st century, many people question the role, purpose, and function of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). In this lecture, Marc Lamont Hill (a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.) argues that Black fraternities and sororities still play a critical role in the Black community. He takes on some of the key issues and challenges faced by BGLOs such as hazing, political engagement, and institution building. Rather than merely spotlighting problems, Dr. Hill also offers concrete solutions and shares his vision for building and sustaining strong 21st-century Black fraternities and sororities.