Race, Education, and Criminal Justice Conference
University of Puget Sound, Saturday, October 6, 2012
Who is the keynote speaker?
Ericka Huggins, a human rights activist, professor, and former Black Panther and political prisoner, is the
conference’s keynote speaker. She will address the topic, “Cradle to Prison Pipeline: How About our
children?”
Professor Huggins has lectured throughout the United States, where her extraordinary life experiences have
enabled her to speak personally and eloquently on issues relating to the physical and emotional well-being of
women and children, youth, education, incarceration, and the role of the spiritual practice in sustaining activism
and promoting change. As a result of her 14-year tenure as a leader of the Black Panther Party (the longest of
any woman in leadership), she brings a unique, complete and honest perspective to the much debated challenges
and successes of the Black Panther Party and its significance today. Currently Ericka Huggins is a Women’s
Studies professor and brings her legacy of social justice and spiritual activism to her lectures and teachings.
What are the plenary speakers/presenters?
Paul Rucker is an interdisciplinary artist (cellist-bassist-composer-visual artist-creator of interactive sound/
video installations). Paul Rucker is a recent recipient of a Creative Capital grant, and a Headlands Center for
the Arts AiR award. He has also received numerous grants for the creation of visual art and music from
4Culture, Seattle Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, South Carolina Arts Commission, Washington
State Arts Commission, King County Site Specific, Photo Center NW, and Artist Trust. Rucker has created
public artwork for the Museum of Flight in Seattle, 4Culture, and the City of Tacoma. Paul Rucker will open
the Conference with an inspirational presentation mixing animation, music, and monologue to showcase
the proliferation and geography of the U.S. Prison System over time.
Dr. Gilda Sheppard teaches interdisciplinary courses in sociology, cultural studies and media literacy at The
Evergreen State College’s Tacoma Campus. Dr. Sheppard is an internationally award winning filmmaker. She
is also a volunteer professor for the University Behind Bars. Dr. Sheppard is presently in production on a
documentary on her work in prisons with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated adults and youth titled
Swinging with No Hands. As part of the closing ceremony, Dr. Sheppard will offer a multi-media
presentation and live art installation designed to engage conference participants with a deeper
understanding of community and justice, revitalization of compassion and care, and urgency to act.