Freeman chosen to present at Russian-American Links Conference

Kassie Freeman

Kassie Freeman, System vice president for academic and student affairs, represented both the nation and historically black institutions at the third Russian-American Links conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 20 and 21.

The U.S. Consulate sponsors the series which was held at the National Academy of Sciences. This year’s theme, “African Americans in Russia,” explored the political, social, and educational impact of African Americans on Russia and vice versa. The early Soviet Union, for example, was of particular interest to some African Americans because of its promise of a racism-free utopian society.

Participating educators and scholars were chosen who could present on the historical relationship between African American and Russians or could provide insight into the contemporary challenges common to both African Americans and Russians.

Freeman, former president of the Comparative and International Education Society, was selected because her comparative research and writings focus on people of African descent and the educational challenges they face globally.

Freeman was the sole representative of HBCU institutions and said she feel this provides a unique opportunity for students of the Southern System. “Southern students need to be exposed to the conditions of black people across the globe to more fully conceptualize their own precarious position in a nation where blacks represent the minority, she said. “Collective success for people of African descent can be expanded by collaboration among African Americans and the people of other nations.”

The Russian-American Links Conference is sponsored by the Public Affairs Section of the Consulate and raised awareness of this aspect of Russian-U.S. ties during celebrations of the 200th year of U.S.-Russian diplomatic relations.