Bernard Lafayette

Bernard Lafayette

Lafayette, Bernard, Jr.

Dr. Bernard Lafayette is a civil rights activist who was involved in the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee. Lafayette was the keynote speaker of the CSB/SJU Peace Studies Conference on October 14, 2013. This was the same conference where SJU alumnus and civil rights activist, Mathew Ahmann (’52) was honored. Minnesota Public Radio’s and SJU alumnus Gary Eichten (’69) interviewed Dr. Bernard Lafayette. Lafayette described the attitudes of southerners and how they had to win them over. He explained how he wore suits and ties to make whites see Blacks more as equals. Lafayette finished his interview by giving three challenges to the CSB/SJU community, “First, we have to overcome the idea that we are only American. We also need government to be by the people, for the people…we have to participate in government ourselves. And third, there is no reason why poverty should exist in this country.”

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

The Record, October 18, 2013, p. 2

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University Archives

2013

Photographer, Tommy O'Laughlin

In copyright.