Civil rights leader and author Andrew Young set to visit Drake University Monday

Civil rights leader and former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and Atlanta Journal Constitution journalist Ernie Suggs will be visiting Drake University Monday as part of a meet-and-greet and Black History Month exhibit.

The conversation with Young and Suggs is set to take place at 7 p.m., at Drake’s Olmsted Center. Admission to the event is free, and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with both panelists.

Young, who was the first African American to hold his position, was appointed by former President Jimmy Carter. He also served as a representative for the state of Georgia in Congress before his appointment as ambassador in 1977.

Young and Suggs’ appearance comes as part of Drake’s “The Many Lives of Andrew Young Exhibit,” named after a book about Young that Suggs authored. “The book tells the inspiring, dramatic story of civil rights hero, congressman, ambassador, mayor and American icon Andrew J. Young,” according to a news release from Drake,

“While this is a student-centered event, mentors and professors (and other campus supporters of the exhibit) are welcome to attend with their students,” the release stated.

The exhibit will remain at Drake until March 1. Former Iowa state Rep. Wayne Ford said he is excited for the conversation, citing his time caucusing for Carter as a privilege.

“President Carter later appointed Ambassador Young to his position, a great win for all Americans,” Ford said. “This will be an important two days for Drake University and Iowa alike.”

The event will be livestreamed and was made possible through Drake’s Slay Fund for Social Justice.

Editor's note: This article was updated with the proper name of Drake’s Slay Fund for Social Justice.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Civil rights leader, author Andrew Young set to visit Drake University