Eboo Patel, the first guest of this year’s Distinguished Speaker Series, will present tonight. The speech’s title is “there’s no better time to stand up for your values than when they’re under attack.”
Patel will speak at 7:30 p.m. in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
Patel is the author of several books including Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation and Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America, as well as the founder of the Interfaith Youth Core. The IFYC is a Chicago-based young adult organization that encourages dialogue between the world’s religions in attempt to inspire understanding.
“I think his perspective is that, in understanding different ways of living, of understanding God, you understand your own faith tradition better,” said Harbour Winn, English professor and director of the Center for Interpersonal Study through Film and Literature.
“He’s very aware that, in this world that we live in today, the fundamentalists can take charge and indoctrinate rather than illuminate, so that you understand your tradition as one in which you can think and grow and debate.”
Winn said Patel’s presentation is exceptional because it is directed toward young adults. He compared Patel to the likes of former distinguished speakers Jane Goodall and Elie Wiesel.
“In this instance, we have someone who, I think, one day will have those kinds of achievements,” Winn said. “He’s still in his beginnings in a sense. He’s just a vibrant, articulate person.”
An informal question-and-answer session with Patel will be hosted at 4 p.m. in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences. A book signing will follow the speech. It will be in Leichter Reunion Center in the Freede Center. Books will be available for purchase in the lobby.
There will be a Q&A after the evening presentation as well. Patel will take questions live from an open mic, as well as from notecards available on entry into the Freede Center.
“One of the missions of Oklahoma City University is to offer cultural enrichment to the greater Oklahoma City community,” Winn said. “So by opening the speaker series in the evening to the community, we’re fulfilling one of our missions.
“I just think it’s the opportunity of your educational career to hear these people.”
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