Join Stephanie Kifowit and Professor Erik McDuffie for a Special MLK Day Coffee Chat

Aurora, Ill. – State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, will welcome historian and author Professor Erik S. McDuffie as a special guest for her weekly series, “Coffee with Kiffy,” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on Facebook. Those interested in attending the virtual event are encouraged to RSVP via the provided link.

“I am honored to host Professor McDuffie for this important conversation on Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” said Rep. Kifowit. “His research sheds light on the rich history of Black activism in our region and offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. I look forward to sharing this dialogue with my constituents.”

Professor McDuffie, an Associate Professor in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will discuss his groundbreaking new book, The Second Battle for Africa, which explores the Midwest’s critical role in shaping 20th-century global Black history, internationalism, and radicalism. His work highlights the enduring impact of Marcus Garvey’s Black nationalist Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the contributions of Black midwestern thinkers and activists in advancing the cause of Black freedom.

Professor McDuffie’s work is deeply personal, rooted in his family’s Midwestern and Caribbean heritage. His great-grandfather, a prominent Garveyite, introduced Marcus Garvey at a 1923 rally in Detroit. McDuffie’s research traces the influence of Garvey’s ideas from the 1920s to the present, examining how midwestern Black communities have been central to the Black freedom movement and the legacy of global African liberation.

Rep. Kifowit’s weekly “Coffee with Kiffy” events provide a unique opportunity for constituents to connect with their state representative, ask questions, receive updates from the Statehouse, and hear from distinguished guests. Past conversations are available as a podcast on all major streaming platforms.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/share/15ZCsh8ecp/  The event will be streamed live on Facebook at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025.