Karine Jean-Pierre speaks to the U-M campus MLK Day theme, The Fierce Urgency of Now. This theme calls us to claim ownership of the challenges we face and not leave it for future generations to address. Amidst technological advancements and increased global connections, much work still needs to be done to heal the wounds of our past, and resolve the injustices of our present. The Fierce Urgency of Now compels us to not only act but to also acknowledge that the absence of action and the continuation of silence, serves to bring us deeper into the shadows of division.

Jean-Pierre is a political campaign organizer, activist, political commentator, and lecturer in international and public affairs at Columbia University. She is the Senior Advisor and National Spokeswoman for MoveOn.org and is a Contributing Editor for Bustle. She has served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for both Barack Obama and Martin O’Malley presidential campaigns.

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