Northern Illinois University College of Law Celebrates Black History Month with Nationally Acclaimed Author

February 23, 2005

DeKalb, IL-- Nationally acclaimed author and Chicago-based attorney Christopher D. Benson, presented a memorable lecture to a standing room only crowd in the Francis X. Riley Courtroom at the Northern Illinois University College of Law.   Entitled “The Intersection Between Brown v. Board of Education, the Emmett Till Hate Crime, and the Civil Rights Movement,” Benson discussed the significant impact these events had on the lives of African Americans. 

His lecture also focused on his most recent book Death of Innocence: The Hate Crime That Changed America (Random House, 2003), which he co-authored with the late Mamie Till-Mobley.  An Essence magazine bestseller, the memoir recounts the life and tragic death of Mrs. Mobley's son, Emmett Till, and the love and faith that helped her survive.  Death of Innocence received the 2004 BlackBoard Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award and a 2003 Robert F. Kennedy Book Award honor.

About Christopher D. Benson: 
Benson has held numerous leadership positions as a journalist, attorney, and writer. He has been an editor for Ebony magazine, a writer for Jet, Chicago, and the Crisis magazines, and he has contributed to The Washington Post and Reader's Digest.  In addition to his journalism experience, Benson has served as vice-president and associate counsel of Johnson Publishing Company.  He has also worked as a promotional and speech writer for several politicians including former U.S. Representative Harold Washington and as Press Secretary for former U.S. Representative Cardiss Collins.

Benson is the author of several books and short stories including Special Interest (One World/Ballantine, 2003), a suspense-thriller based in Washington, DC.  He also served as editorial consultant for The New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award-winning memoir by Patti LaBelle, Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime (Riverhead/Putnam, 1996).

 
 
 
For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
815/753-9655l