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August 30, 2001

Pitt plans events to honor K. Leroy Irvis

The life and times of former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House K. Leroy Irvis will be celebrated on the Pittsburgh campus Sept. 13 and 14. All events are free and open to the public.

Irvis, Pitt emeritus trustee, is the first African American to hold the position of Speaker of the House in any state government. His personal papers, correspondence, campaign literature, legislative papers and photos are included in the K. Leroy Irvis Archives, housed in the University Library System.

"A Conversation With K. Leroy Irvis" will take place at 7 p.m., Sept. 13, in the 7th floor auditorium of the Masonic Temple.

Irvis will be joined by Derrick Bell, nationally known civil rights activist, professor and best-selling author. Irvis and Bell, both Pitt School of Law graduates, will discuss their careers, racial inequity and discrimination, and how the conflict and difficulties in their personal and professional careers shaped their lives.

On Sept. 14 a panel discussion called "The Life and Times of K. Leroy Irvis" will take place at 9 a.m. in the moot courtroom at Pitt's law school. It will be moderated by attorney Wendell Freeland.

At 11 a.m., University officials will dedicate the K. Leroy Irvis Reading Room on the first floor of Hillman Library. Elsie Hillman will preside as mistress of ceremonies; Chancellor Mark Nordenberg and state and local dignitaries will join her.

For more information, call 8-7710.

Filed under: Feature,Volume 34 Issue 1

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