Multicultural Lecture Series Draws Donna Brazile

Donna Brazile, the first African American to lead a major presidential campaign, addressed the campus on November 2 as part of the Multicultural Lecture Series. In her lecture, titled "Race and Poverty, the Lessons of Katrina and Rita," Brazile, a native of New Orleans, spoke of what she feels was a poor response from the government to aid victims.

"As an American citizen I was embarrassed by this country’s response," said Brazile, who added that the tragedy is far from over. "We have to act and we have to act quickly to help those who are suffering and in pain," she asserted.

Comparing the funds provided to victims by Congress to the funds made available for foreign affairs, Brazile remarked how feeble she felt the relief aid was.

She confessed that she sometimes wishes she were Donald Trump, not so she could have his money, but so she could have "the power to stand on Capitol Hill and say, ‘You’re fired!’" to the numerous members of our government who she feels do not represent the people.

Brazile commented on how the tragedy in the Gulf Region has changed her. "I was so partisan I think I walked around with a big 'D' on my forehead for Democrat," admitted Brazile. However, after the tragedies in the Gulf Region, she says she realized, "Democrats can’t save my family. Republicans can’t. But we can save them."

"We need fresh new ideas. We need people willing to take a risk and take a chance to change this country to what it ought to be," said Brazile.

She asked the audience, "What is your revolution? What are you going to change? What are you going to fix?"

"This country won’t change unless you push it, unless you force it," she warned, adding, "You can change the political climate and landscape of this country."

"Whatever you dream, make sure it is big enough to include others. It’s your turn to change history," urged Brazile.