Simpson College to host discussion with DeRay Mckesson

Simpson College will host a virtual discussion with civil rights activist and podcast host DeRay Mckesson at 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Mckesson will discuss his work on criminal justice reform.

The virtual event is free and open to the public via Zoom. Register at simpson.zoom.us.

McKesson is the host of the popular podcast “Pod Save the People” and co-founder of Campaign Zero. A leading voice in the Black Lives Matter Movement, Mckesson has advocated for issues related to children, youth and families since he was a teen. He has been praised by former President Barack Obama for his work as a community organizer, has advised officials at all levels of government and provides the capacity to activists, organizers and influencers to make an impact. 

“DeRay Mckesson brings exceptional clarity of vision to the issues confronting America today that inspires and entertains as it informs, from someone who has been out in the streets and knows the struggle firsthand,” said Seth Andersen, director of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center. “As host of “Pod Save the People” and co-founder of Campaign Zero, Mckesson has advanced the national conversation on issues from criminal justice reform to educational opportunity with a data-driven approach to promoting racial justice and equity for all communities.”

As host of the award-winning “Pod Save The People,” Mckesson creates space for conversation about the most important issues of the week related to justice, equity and identity. He also frequently appears on national media outlets including NPR, MSNBC and CNN and shows like “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.” He has appeared on the cover of The Advocate magazine, Adweek magazine and Attitude Magazine and has been highlighted in a range of publications including Vogue magazine, Vanity Fair magazine, Interview Magazine, VICE, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun. 

Mckesson was named one of the World’s Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine in 2015 and one of the 30 Most Influential People On The Internet by Time Magazine in 2016.

The event is presented by the Culver Public Policy Center with co-sponsorship by the Black Student Union, Multicultural Students Alliance, Simpson College Pride, the Social Justice Studies program, the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and the Women’s and Gender Studies program.

About the John C. Culver Public Policy Center
The John C. Culver Public Policy Center was established at Simpson College in 2010 to honor the service of John C. Culver, who served the people of Iowa for 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Simpson College strives to honor the example of the late John C. Culver by inspiring young people to pursue careers in public service with integrity and moral courage. The Center’s nonpartisan programs seek to educate and inspire young people to actively participate in our democracy and encourage them to consider public service as their life’s work.

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.

Event Contact
Seth Andersen, director of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center at Simpson College
Direct: 515-961-1354
Email: seth.andersen@simpson.edu
 
Media Contact
Cathy Cole, vice president for marketing and strategic communication
Direct: 515-961-1595
Email: cathy.cole@simpson.edu