“Black history is not always black,” said Art Norman’s in the Murray-Green library Tuesday night. His booming voice attracted many of those passing by to stay for his lecture.
Norman worked for the Channel 5 newscast for almost 30 years. He started as a general assignment reporter and moved his way up to a news anchor position. Over the years he broke many investigative stories, including allegations of civil rights violations by Cook County police in the suburbs and police officers’ criminal records.
Norman spoke about his ties to black history in the city and kept coming back to the words: “Black history is not always black.” By this he meant that people of other races worked toward civil rights alongside African-American leaders, Norman said.
Terri Friel, dean of the Walter E. Heller College of Business Administration, said the college was looking for a great speaker for Black History Month.
“[Norman]’s got a very interesting and varied life,” Friel said.
During his speech, Norman talked about his past relationships, which include a friendship with Reverend Jessie Jackson and a mentorship with Martin Luther King Jr.
It was with King, Norman said, that he got his understanding of Black History as a “melting pot.”
Norman said King spoke about contributions black people made to society, but also contributions other people have made to civil rights.
In his speech, Norman also critiqued television news. He said that too often the media portray minorities as victims or suspects. NBC 5 does this as well, Norman said.
“We need to tell positive news . . . we must do a better job at telling stories,” Norman said.
Friel said the College of Business will be hosting other notable speakers over the next few months.
The College of Business is presenting a lecture by Sherron Watkins, former vice president of Enron, on April 22.
Friel said the College of Business will also hold a panel discussion on March 9 to celebrate National Women’s History month.
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