Freedom of speech will be celebrated on Wayne State's campus Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the university's Law School chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union hosts "Speak-Up."

Modeled after a longrunning tradition at London's Hyde Park during which individuals from all walks of life gather to speak, listen and exercise their minds, "Speak Up" begins at noon on Gullen Mall.

Featured speakers include Detroit journalist Jack Lessenberry and Haider Hamza, an Iraqi journalist recently featured on NPR and Showtime's This American Life for his "Talk to an Iraqi" conversation booth.

Several public soap boxes also will be ready for the taking and at least five minutes of speaking time will be allowed for each speaker.

Prior to "Speak Up," Hamza will discuss his journalistic work in the Spencer Patrich Auditorium in the Wayne State University Law School. His presentation begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes a question and answer session.

For more on Hamza visit www.wolfmanproductions.com/hamza.html.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.