Lew Zuchman to Speak at Bay College

News

Lew Zuchman, original 1961 Freedom Rider

By Amy Reddinger
Published December 21, 2023

The Bay College Diversity Committee is thrilled to announce the visit of esteemed Civil Rights activist and Executive Director of SCAN-Harbor, Lew Zuchman, on Thursday, January 18 at 2pm ET in the Besse Center Theater on the Escanaba campus. The event is open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for the community to hear from a veteran of the Civil Rights movement and a distinguished leader in youth and family services.

Lew Zuchman is a living legend of the Civil Rights movement. As an original Freedom Rider, he played a pivotal role in the struggle for equality from 1961 through 1966. His activism included participation in the Mississippi Voter Registration efforts, the Meredith March against Fear, and the Southern Sit-In Movement.

At the helm of SCAN-Harbor for an impressive 35 years, Lew Zuchman oversaw its transformation into the largest youth service provider in the East Harlem, Harlem, and South Bronx opportunities. The organization, under Mr. Zuchman’s leadership, serves approximately 7,000 youth and 1,000 adults annually, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals in these communities.

In recognition of his significant role in the Civil Rights movement, Mr. Zuchman has been a featured figure in recent books such as “Breach of Peace” and “Freedom Riders,” as well as video documentaries like “Grandpa Was A Freedom Rider.” He has shared his experiences on various television platforms, including CBS, New York 1, NBC, and CSPAN. He has also been featured in esteemed publications such as the Washington Post, Village Voice, and the New Yorker.

Lew Zuchman continues his commitment to social justice as a Civil Rights spokesperson for Facing History and Ourselves. Additionally, he is the Founding President of the Human Service Consortium of East Harlem and also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Collin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York.

The Bay College community and the general public are invited to attend a talk by Mr. Zuchman on Thursday, January 18 at 2pm ET in the Besse Center Theater, with a reception to follow. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a living icon of the Civil Rights movement and a leader dedicated to making a positive impact on communities through youth and family services.

For more information, please contact Amy Reddinger, VP of Arts & Sciences and Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at p: (906)-217-4068 or email amy.reddinger_FROM_BAY_COLLEGE.

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