Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey
Attention: Graduate Students
Event Date: February 13, February 20, and February 27
MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series gives the community opportunities to interact with multicultural leaders from education, business, industry, entertainment and government. For 25 years, this series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement.
Joining us for this year’s series are Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee on February 13, 2025; Rev. Osagyefo Uhuruan Sekou and Band on February 20, 2025; and Dr. Russell Ledet on February 27, 2025.
- Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, the first African American woman to serve as dean of a United States medical school (Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1993-2001). She is also the first osteopathic physician to participate in the Robert Wood Johnson Policy Fellowship. She is also a commissioned officer in the United States Naval Reserves Medical Corps and officer in charge (OIC) of the Primary Care Uniformed Services (PRIMUS) Unit for Michigan and received the rank of captain. Most recently, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award was named the Barbara Ross-Lee D.O., DEI Award in her honor. Dr. Ross-Lee is a 1973 graduate of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Rev. Osagyefo Uhuruan Sekou, an activist, theologian, author, documentary filmmaker, and blues/soul/gospel musician who has helped train over ten thousand clergy and activists in militant nonviolent civil disobedience throughout the United States. He was also selected by Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, NAACP History Makers, and the Yerba Buena Center for Arts 100 list of creative thinkers. Rev. Sekou has lectured widely and has served on the National Political Hip Hop Convention Platform Committee.
- Dr. Russell Ledet, co-founder of the 15 White Coats, a world-renowned organization that helps to propel into medical school education by providing inspiration and resources. He was featured on CNN, MSNBC, People Magazine, and more.
