Author With Unique Perspective On African-American Life Will Visit Saint Peter’s College

Jersey City, NJ– October 3, 2003– Dr. Mark Naison, author of White Boy: A Memoir and Communists in Harlem During the Depression, will speak about his life as a white Jew with a life-long passion for African-American culture when he visits Saint Peter’s College on Monday, October 20. His 11 a.m. presentation in the College’s Roy Irving Theater is entitled “From Doo Wop to Hip Hop: A White Man’s Love Affair with African-American Culture.” The event is free and open to the public. Dr. Naison, who is a Professor in Fordham University’s Institute of Afro-American Studies, speaks openly about being kicked out of his family and adopted by a black family when he became involved romantically with an African-American woman. He grew to worship black athletes and musicians, supported the civil rights movement and remains active in African-American culture and social justice. “Saint Peter’s College has one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and our students will greatly appreciate having Dr. Naison speak,” said Saint Peter’s College Dean of Students Salvatore Turchio. “He weaves his love for urban music, especially hip-hop, into a discussion that will shed light on the New York African-American culture.” The event is sponsored by the Saint Peter’s College Student Affairs division and Urban Studies department. For more information, call 201-915-9140. Saint Peter’s College is the Jesuit College of New Jersey. Founded in 1872, Saint Peter’s has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus is located inJersey Cityand a branch campus, specializing in adult education, is located in Englewood Cliffs. Saint Peter’s also offers classes in downtownJersey Citynear the waterfront financial district and in South Amboy