Wayne State University’s Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) and the Walter P. Reuther Library will host “International Literacy Day” on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2-5:30 p.m., at the Walter P. Reuther Library, 5401 Cass, Detroit.

 

Daphne Ntiri, associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, will serve as moderator to the panel on the theme “Literacy and the U.S. Workforce.” Since 1990, Ntiri has led southeastern Michigan in recognizing the impact functional illiteracy has had on the daily lives of families.

 

Panelists will include industrial leaders, corporate executives and union representatives including: Rhea Brown Lawson, deputy director, Detroit Public Library-Main Branch; George L. Swan, president, WCCCD-East Campus; Darlene Van Tiem, professor, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Margaret Doughty, consultant, Literacy USA, Dallas, TX; and Nellie LaGarde, senior manager, Education Programs-DaimlerChrysler. In addition, attendees will be exposed to various perspectives from various ethnic communities (Arab, Hispanic, African American) on workplace challenges. 

 

The event begins with an exhibit celebrating the UAW’s 70th anniversary at 2 p.m. followed by a panel discussion with questions and answers on “Literacy and the U.S. Workforce” at 2:30 p.m. A reception will conclude the event at 5:30 p.m.

 

For more information, contact Professor Ntiri (dnitiri@wayne.edu) or A. Johnson-Gardner (ad5397@wayne.edu); or phone (313) 577-4612/13.