Unlikely civil rights activist to bring story to campus

Civil rights activist, pastor and professor Bob Zellner will discuss his memories of and role in the South’s civil rights movement at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, in the Student Union Movie Theater

Zellner grew up in Southampton, Ala., but he has an unlikely background of a civil rights legend. His father and grandfather were both members of the Ku Klux Klan. Zellner chose to become actively involved in civil rights, and his defiant actions led to his being arrested 18 times in seven different states during the course of his involvement with the movement.

As a college student, Zellner began his journey alongside other civil rights heroes. He worked with Rosa Parks to coordinate a protest against segregation on public buses. Soon after, Zellner joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and would become the first white member of the group—one of many decisions Zellner made that solidified his role as a leader in the struggle for civil rights.

Campus Activities Board (CAB) student employee Sandrine Uwera, director of CAB’s Talks and Topics programs, organized the event and will moderate a question-and-answer session following Zellner’s talk.

“CAB is very excited to bring Mr. Zellner to campus,” Uwera said. “He is a man that stood up for what he believed in and became a major advocate for change. His story is inspirational, and we are glad that he is able and willing to share it.”