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The 8th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Series: Dr. Richard Lapchick presents “Facing Uncomfortable Truths”
The 8th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Series: Dr. Richard Lapchick presents “Facing Uncomfortable Truths”
By Ava Edmonds
Marketing and Communications
The 8th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Series presented by PLU’s Department of Kinesiology will feature Dr. Richard Lapchick and his keynote presentation, “Facing Uncomfortable Truths” on February 28th, 2024, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. in the AUC (Chris Knutson Hall).
In his keynote presentation, titled “Facing Uncomfortable Truths,” Dr. Richard Lapchick, renowned human rights activist and pioneer for racial equality, will delve into his lived experience as a social justice advocate within sport settings. Lapchick will reflect on the past and shed light on the future of social justice work. He will impart insights on how students and the community can actively contribute to the ongoing fight for equity, inclusion, and improved access to sports. Lapchick, widely recognized as “the racial conscience of sport,” brings expertise and a call to action for a more just and inclusive sporting landscape.
Lapchick’s journey in championing equality and leveraging the power of sports for positive societal change has left an indelible mark on national and international platforms. From founding the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida to delivering speeches in esteemed arenas such as the United States Congress, the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the Vatican, Lapchick’s commitment to social justice is unwavering.
Lapchick was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame of the Commonwealth Nations in the category of Humanitarian, along with Arthur Ashe and Nelson Mandela. Beyond Sports Inspirational has also recognized him as one of the 50 individuals, both living and deceased, who utilized sports to change the world, alongside Billie Jean King, Muhammad Ali, and Nelson Mandela. In 2021, Lapchick was chosen as the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year by the Muhammad Ali Center.
He received the Stuart Scott ESPY Enspire Award in 2023 and the American Athletic Conference Trailblazer Award and was named one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports.
Lapchick was one of 200 guests personally invited by Nelson Mandela to his inauguration after leading the American sports boycott of South Africa from 1975 until the end of Apartheid.
He has been married to Ann Pasnak since 1989. They have a son, Joe, and two daughters, Chamy and Emily. Rich and Ann have four granddaughters: Taylor, Emma, Molly, and Lauren.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Visit the PLU Events Calendar for more information.
