Missouri School of Journalism to Host Lecture by Anti-Apartheid Activist Albie Sachs

The Lecture Is Sponsored by the Chancellor’s Distinguished Visitor Program and the Jonathan B. Murray Center for Documentary Journalism

By Sarah Clinton
MU News Bureau

Albie Sachs
Albie Sachs

Columbia, Mo. (Oct. 10, 2014) — Human rights activist Albie Sachs, former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa, will visit the University of Missouri to give his lecture titled “Confessions of an Activist Judge.” His lecture will be held at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, in Bush Auditorium in Cornell Hall. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Sachs, a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, survived an assassination attempt in 1988 that resulted in the loss of his right arm. In 1995, following the downfall of apartheid, Sachs was appointed to South Africa’s highest court by the late Nelson Mandela. Sachs gained international recognition through his landmark rulings, perhaps most notably his 2005 writing of the court opinion that legalized same-sex marriage in South Africa and because of the key role he played in the drafting of South Africa’s constitution.

The MU School of Law also will host the screening of the documentary film “Soft Vengeance,” the award-winning story of Sachs’ fight against apartheid in South Africa. It will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, in Room 7, Hulston Hall. Sachs and director Abby Ginzberg will answer audience questions after the film. The screening is free and open to the public.

The lecture is sponsored by the Chancellor’s Distinguished Visitor Program and the Jonathan B. Murray Center for Documentary Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism.

The Chancellor’s Distinguished Visitors Program brings prominent scholars to the MU campus to participate in academic programs and research and spend time engaging the campus community.

Updated: July 30, 2020

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