Speaker Series

Director Ted Ellis after the unveiling of the C.K. Steele Speakers Series at the launch of the Institute on January 15.

The C.K. Steele Speakers Series is a foundational element of the Florida State University Civil Rights Institute. Named after Reverend Charles Kenzie Steele, a prominent and dynamic Tallahassee-based leader in the Civil Rights Movement, this series perpetuates Reverend Steele’s legacy through organizing enlightening lectures, workshops, and community discussions. The purpose of the series is to provide a platform for conversations on issues, historical perspectives, and contemporary challenges in the area of Civil Rights. These events will foster a deeper understanding of the significance of the Civil Rights Movement and its enduring impact on society.

The C.K. Steele Speakers Series will promote intellectual freedom, civic discourse, and a commitment to advance Civil Rights at Florida State University and within the broader Tallahassee community. By organizing a series of provoking and engaging lectures and creating a platform for connecting with impactful speakers, the series is poised to contribute significantly to the institute’s mission of promoting awareness, understanding, and dialogue on civil rights issues.