Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf at the U of MN this Friday

by Nelima Kerré | April 7, 2009 • Hey people don’t forget this event:

DISTINGUISHED CARLSON LECTURE SERIES

Humphrey Institute to Host Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at University of Minnesota

The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs will present the 2009 Distinguished Carlson Lecture featuring Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at Northrop Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 1 p.m.

Internationally known as Africa’s “Iron Lady,” Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first woman democratically elected to lead an African nation. She previously held several positions at the United Nations, including serving as the first woman to lead the Development Project for Africa.

During the military dictatorship of Samuel Doe, Johnson Sirleaf was charged with treason and imprisoned. She has since been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civil award, for her personal courage and unwavering commitment to expand freedom for and improve the lives of people in Liberia and across Africa.

“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s story is one of courage and breakthrough,” says Humphrey Institute Dean Brian Atwood. “We traveled together to Africa and I saw firsthand the respect she generated. Standing for President in a country emerging from civil war takes a great deal of courage. Then came the breakthrough: she was the first woman ever elected as an African head of state.We are fortunate indeed to welcome her back to Minnesota to tell her magnificent story as the Distinguished Carlson Lecturer.”

President Johnson Sirleaf’s speech is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 16, at the following locations:

Northrop Auditorium (84 Church St SE, Minneapolis)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Humphrey Institute (301 19th Ave S, Minneapolis)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

University of Minnesota Bookstore (300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, Ground Level, Coffman Memorial Union)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Paul Student Center (2017 Buford Ave, St. Paul)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Normandale Community College, Center for Multicultural Services (900 France Ave, Bloomington)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.