USD Magazine, Spring 1998

A s the keynote speaker for USD's Black History Month, Anita Hill spoke in Shiley Theatre on Feb. 26 and, using examples from her family's experiences, discussed the history, struggles and perseverance of African Americans, both past and present. A central character in the firestorm that raged around Clarence Thomas's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court in October 1991, Hill became a reluctant national figure in the emerg– ing public issue of sexual harrassment, as well as long-standing issues of race, gender and politics. No longer content to leave the analysis of this watershed event to others, Hill wrote a book, Speaking Truth to Power, which was published in October. During her day at USD, Hill met with student leaders from United Front - a coalition of eight culturally diverse organizations - and talked to students, administrators and faculty (see photo) at a brief reception before her public address. For the audience of about 350 at Shiley Theatre, Hill wove stories of her family's history and struggles into her analysis of the Hill-Thomas hearing. She emphasized during her talk that she wants her book to set the record straight and further discussion of the profound issues raised in Washington, D.C., in 1991.

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