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Michele Norris
Award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author, MSNBC Senior Contributing Editor, and former Washington Post columnist and NPR “All Things Considered” host
Legacy Luncheon at 11:30 a.m.
Doors open at 11 a.m.
No bags, purses, or backpacks. The use of any recording devices during the event, including but not limited to, cell phones, video cameras, or digital recorders is not permitted during Ms. Norris’ speaking engagement.
2024 Event Photo Gallery
Location
Duncan Ballroom | Boling University Center
Registration
Registration is required. Click here to register.
About Michele Norris
An award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most recognized voices in radio, Michele Norris engages audiences in candid discussion about current events, social issues, and bridging the divide in America.
From the radio airwaves of NPR to The Washington Post to her current role as MSNBC Senior Contributor, Michele Norris is one of the most trusted voices in American journalism.
For a decade, as host of National Public Radio’s longest-running program, “All Things Considered,” she captivated audiences nationwide while earning some of journalism’s highest honors. As a Washington Post Opinions Columnist, Norris sparked important dialogue on current events, social issues and the power to make change. At MSNBC she brings her compelling insights to cover current events as a Senior Contributing Editor.
Norris is also host of “Your Mama’s Kitchen,” an acclaimed podcast brimming with nostalgia and lessons. With an incredible range of guests including actors, authors, chefs, and musicians, she explores family histories, memories, and cultures through rich conversations flowing from the simple prompt: “Tell me about your mama’s kitchen.”
On stage, Norris inspires open and honest dialogue, with memorable stories and fascinating perspectives drawn from her personal journey, investigative research, and interviews with world leaders, Nobel Laureates and influential newsmakers. She makes complex and taboo issues remarkably accessible. Audiences walk away empowered to stimulate discussion around challenging topics within their communities.
About
The University of Tennessee at Martin established The Henry H. Parker Speaker Series in 2023 to honor the dedicated work of esteemed scholar Dr. Henry H. Parker. For more than 67 years, Dr. Parker has impacted the lives of countless college students and colleagues as a professor of history at numerous institutions. During his 33-year tenure at The University of Tennessee at Martin, Dr. Parker mentored students and developed insightful courses and programs to enrich students’ educational experiences. We are honored to recognize and celebrate a consummate educator and social justice advocate, Dr. Henry H. Parker.
Dr. Henry H. Parker
Dr. Henry H. Parker has an impressive and diverse background. He graduated with honors from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and went on to earn his M.A. from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and a Ph.D. in Latin and Greek from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
Dr. Parker played a pivotal role in promoting desegregation, notably in the dining car department of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and in various bars and restaurants in Spokane, WA. He was not only an advocate but also a creator, producing and starring in "The Hank Parker Show," Iowa's first black television series, which aired on the NBC affiliate KWWL.
He was a true educator, having founded the widely recognized Parker Tribune newspaper, used in 300 schools across the United States. Dr. Parker also served as the National Director of Curriculum for Jesse Jackson's PUSH-Excel program and established the highly regarded Parker Academy, a college preparatory program for preschoolers.
Together with Marilyn Crist, he developed the C.P. Collegians Program, designed to nurture gifted children. Dr. Parker co-authored several books, including "Teaching Minorities to Play the Corporate Language Game," "A Twenty-Somethings Guide to Financial Freedom," and "Secrets to Success in College and in Life," which were published both in the United States and abroad.
His influence extended to the national stage, as he was a featured speaker on the lecture circuit for the New York-based agency, Program Corporation of America. Dr. Parker's remarkable journey even caught the attention of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and his work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, and People magazine.
Throughout his career, Dr. Parker received recognition as a Ford Foundation Fellow and held the esteemed title of Cunningham Distinguished Professor/Scholar at the University of Tennessee at Martin. After an impressive 33 years of service in the history department, he retired from UT Martin in May 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
