African and African American Studies to Host a Discussion With Photographer Eunique Jones Gibson

Photo Submitted

Eunique Jones Gibson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The African and African American Studies Program and the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences have partnered with University Libraries, the School of Law, the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the Office of Enrollment Management and the College of Education and Health Professions to present An Evening with Eunique Jones Gibson, creator of "Because of Them We Can," at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, in Mullins Library's Walton Reading Room. The event is free of charge and the campus community is invited to attend.

In February 2012, following the death of Trayvon Martin, Gibson created her first photo awareness campaign – I AM Trayvon Martin. The images spread through social media and news outlets around the world.

One year later, Gibson launched the Because of Them, We Can, a social media campaign using photos of children to capture images of African American trailblazers. What was originally designed as a 28-day photo tribute during Black History Month became an internet sensation. As a result, Gibson left her job to focus on building the Because of Them We Can movement on a full-time basis.

She has been featured on MSNBC, O: The Oprah Magazine, The Huffington Post and other national and local media outlets. Most recently, she was named a Webby Award Honoree and a White House Champion of Change.

Gibson will also speak to a group of fourth graders from Asbell Elementary School as part of her visit to the University of Arkansas.

About the African and African American Studies Program: The African and African American Studies Program at the University of Arkansas is an interdisciplinary program that expands on the core disciplines of a traditional liberal arts education. Through interdisciplinary study, students explore the legacy of the African diaspora and African-descended people's global experiences and the importance of race with a focus on Africa, the United States and the Caribbean.

About the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 19 departments and 43 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator.