The Division of University Relations, the Courageous Conversations Consortium, the Juneteenth Planning Committee and the Black Faculty and Staff Association are hosting “Detroit History is Black History III: A Courageous Conversation with Anna Malaika Tubbs.”  

This fireside chat with Dr. Tubbs and Donna Givens-Davidson will widen the lens of the 2026 WSU MLK Tribute that focused on Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz and Merlie Evers-Williams, the widows of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers.

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a scholar and writer whose acclaimed book, The Three Mothers, highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Alberta King, mother of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Louise Little, mother of Malcolm X; and Berdis Baldwin, mother of James Baldwin. The conversation will examine how these three women’s teachings, resilience, and values shaped the lives and missions of their sons — and by extension become the architects of Black legacy rather than footnotes to history.

Donna Givens-Davidson is the host of the Authentically Detroit podcast, a native Detroiter and Wayne State University alumna whose family has deep Detroit roots.  Ms. Givens-Davidson will guide the conversation to include examples of Detroit Black women who not only witnessed history but made Black history as well.

The event will be held 4:30-7:00pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Industry Innovation Center, 461 Burroughs St., Detroit, MI 48202.  It will include a pre-reception and book signing before the fireside chat.

View Live - https://www.youtube.com/live/m6z0vhTrd30?si=eDOz-QpRrGLLHxrc

Please RSVP by Friday, February 20.