College of Mount Saint Vincent to Host Panel Discussion on Religious Women’s Social Activism During the Civil Rights Movement
2/23/2015
Riverdale, N.Y. – The Sisters of Charity of New York, along with the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s history and religious studies departments, and the College’s women’s studies program, will host a panel discussion on Wednesday, March 4, celebrating and reflecting on this year’s Women’s History Month. “Sisters on the March: Women Religious and the Civil Rights Movement,” will take place in the President’s Reception Room at the University of Mount Saint Vincent at 4 p.m., and the presentation is free and open to the public.
The panel will include Dr. Margaret McGuinness, professor of religion and executive director of mission integration at La Salle University, and the author of Called to Serve: A History of Nuns in America. Dr. McGuinness will discuss the role that religious women played in social activism in the 1960s.
Sisters Rose Frederick and Rita King both participated in the 1965 Civil Rights March in Harlem. In reflection of its 50th anniversary, they will discuss the Sisters of Charity of New York’s participation in the march. Additionally, Sister Carol Barnes will discuss the Sisters work in easing racial tensions around violence, Ku Klux Klan activity, and police brutality in York, Pa., in the years leading up to the 1969 race riots.
Dr. Charles L. Flynn, Jr., president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, will moderate and comment.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.