Social Justice Changemaker Lecture

The Social Justice Changemaker Lecture series, established by a generous gift from Neil and Annmarie Hawkins, focuses on important global social justice issues including race and nationality, immigration and refugees, income inequality, gender identity and sexual orientation, education, health, and mental and physical abilities. The Lecture aims to bring prominent social justice experts and advocates from multiple disciplines including social sciences, science, humanities, the arts and the professions to the University of Michigan Campus.

Coming Soon: Information about the 2022 Lecture

Social Justice Changemaker Lecture: Creating Social Change Through Film and Music: Do the Right Thing!

April 7, 2021, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

The School of Social Work presented Spike Lee and Terence Blanchard in the inaugural Social Justice Changemaker Lecture, established by a generous gift from Neil and Annmarie Hawkins, on Wednesday, April 7. Read more about their discussion on incorporating social justice issues in storytelling and their advice for young artists and activists.

Spike Lee and Terence Blanchard

Spike Lee is an award-winning writer, director, actor, producer and author who revolutionized the role of Black talent in cinema. Widely regarded as a premier African-American filmmaker, Lee is a forerunner in the “do it yourself” school of independent film.

Terence Blanchard is an American jazz trumpeter, composer and music educator. He is a frequent collaborator with Spike Lee. He is nominated for a 2021 Academy Award for the Da 5 Bloods score. Blanchard holds an endowed chair in the Detroit Symphony.

Event Co-sponsors: the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, the Office of the Provost, the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, the School of Education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and the University of Michigan Museum of Art