University of Iowa and Drake University to Host Roy Bennett: Democracy in Zimbabwe

The University of Iowa International Programs, a USCCD member organization, will host the WorldCanvass Studio: "Roy Bennett and the Hard Road to Democracy" on October 3 from 2-3 pm at the University Capitol Centre, Room 2780.

Bennett will also appear at Drake University on Wednesday, October 5 at Sheslow Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Roy Bennett is the deputy minister of agriculture – designate (Zimbabwe), and treasurer of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

According to the University of Iowa International Programs' website:

"The MDC won the very tight 2008 election, and was recognized internationally as the winner; however, Robert Mugabe and his party, the Zimbabwe African National Union, refused to give up control. After the MDC agreed to share power with Mugabe's party, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai designated Bennett deputy minister of agriculture."

Since then, Bennett has been imprisoned several times and continues his human rights fight in Zimbabwe, as well as the fight for democracy.

At the University of Iowa event, Bennett will not be the only participant in the WorldCanvass Studio. Lymobe Eko, UI professor of journalism and mass communication and co- director of the African Studies Program and Farai Marazi, a IU doctoral student in anthropology from Zimbabwe will also participate in the event.

Photo credit: http://accents.international.uiowa.edu/worldcanvass/

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the fight for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Don't miss out – attend one of these events on October 3 or October 5!

For supplemental viewing, enjoy this youtube clip from the Economist, Tea with Roy Bennett: