Message of unity lights up campus
Book release shows campus the meaning of courage
Christopher Doyle
Issue date: 3/9/09 Section: News
On a day the UW-Waukesha campus saw the power flicker on and off, one thing shone constant; the message of unity.
The release of UW-Waukesha professor Dr. Margaret Rozga's book of poetry, "200 Nights and one day," was more than an event to sell books. The intent was instead to call for social change led by those who it affects on a daily basis, "ordinary people."
Rozga shared the special occasion, which felt more like a family reunion than a book release, with family, friends, children, a chancellor, students and a senator. Whether it was a leader of the civil rights movement or a child tagging along, all in attendance seemed aware that this was not an everyday event. The struggles lived by those who stood up to oppression were felt by those who hadn't lived long enough to know the true meaning of the word segregation.
Dean Patrick Schmitt opened the ceremony with recognition of the faculty at UW-Waukesha, including Rozga, "We have a number of talented faculty on staff, Margaret is one of them and one of our most talented faculty." Following the warm introduction by the dean was UW-Colleges and Extension chancellor David Wilson with an even more glowing appreciation of the work, "The dramatic poems tell a story…of bravery…resistance…sheer determination…of those individuals who absolutely demanded fair housing."
As if the praise by leaders within the UW System was not enough more was to follow from a leader of the civil rights movement and a Wisconsin senator.
Vel Phillips, who in 1956 became the first woman and the first African-American alder in Milwaukee, was elated to be in attendance and marveled at the book which she called "quite an achievement."
The final speaker to introduce Rozga, Sen. Spencer Coggs, put into perspective just how important Phillips was to the civil rights movement by calling her a "living legend."
Sen. Coggs enthusiasm continued as he joined in celebrating Rozga, a.k.a. Peggy, by applauding what he referred to as, "Peggy's gusto, Peggy's zeal, Peggy's zest being a freedom fighter for Milwaukee, for Wisconsin, for America and the world."
The release of UW-Waukesha professor Dr. Margaret Rozga's book of poetry, "200 Nights and one day," was more than an event to sell books. The intent was instead to call for social change led by those who it affects on a daily basis, "ordinary people."
Rozga shared the special occasion, which felt more like a family reunion than a book release, with family, friends, children, a chancellor, students and a senator. Whether it was a leader of the civil rights movement or a child tagging along, all in attendance seemed aware that this was not an everyday event. The struggles lived by those who stood up to oppression were felt by those who hadn't lived long enough to know the true meaning of the word segregation.
Dean Patrick Schmitt opened the ceremony with recognition of the faculty at UW-Waukesha, including Rozga, "We have a number of talented faculty on staff, Margaret is one of them and one of our most talented faculty." Following the warm introduction by the dean was UW-Colleges and Extension chancellor David Wilson with an even more glowing appreciation of the work, "The dramatic poems tell a story…of bravery…resistance…sheer determination…of those individuals who absolutely demanded fair housing."
As if the praise by leaders within the UW System was not enough more was to follow from a leader of the civil rights movement and a Wisconsin senator.
Vel Phillips, who in 1956 became the first woman and the first African-American alder in Milwaukee, was elated to be in attendance and marveled at the book which she called "quite an achievement."
The final speaker to introduce Rozga, Sen. Spencer Coggs, put into perspective just how important Phillips was to the civil rights movement by calling her a "living legend."
Sen. Coggs enthusiasm continued as he joined in celebrating Rozga, a.k.a. Peggy, by applauding what he referred to as, "Peggy's gusto, Peggy's zeal, Peggy's zest being a freedom fighter for Milwaukee, for Wisconsin, for America and the world."
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