Findlay, Ohio – John A. Powell will present “Diversity: Human Destinies are Intertwined” at The University of Findlay Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union’s Multipurpose Room. The event is part of the University’s Diversity Week, Oct. 31-Nov. 4.

Powell’s presentation will explore a number of questions about diversity including: What is diversity? Why is diversity important? Why are some audiences open to diversity, but opposed to affirmative action? And how does diversity impact us individually and collectively?

Powell is an internationally recognized authority in the areas of civil rights, civil liberties and issues relating to race, ethnicity, poverty and the law. He is the executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University. He also holds the Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Mortiz College of Law. He has written extensively on a number of issues including racial justice and regionalism, concentrated poverty and urban sprawl, the link between housing and school segregation, disparities in the criminal justice system and current demographic trends.

While living in Africa, Powell worked as a consultant to the governments of Mozambique and South Africa. He also has done work in India, Europe and South America. He co-founded the Poverty and Race Research Action Council (PRRAC) and serves on several organizations’ boards.

The presentation is part of a series of events for UF’s Diversity Week. Other activities include the distribution of “One People, One Race, One World” wrist bands, an American Sign Language Social, a comedy performance and a concert by Tony Melendez, the successful toe-picking guitar player.

For more information about Powell’s free, public presentation, contact the Office of Intercultural Student Services at 419-434-6967.