Eugene "Gus" Newport is a social justice activist, an independent consultant providing technical assistance in the areas of community and economic development, public policy, community organizing strategies and organizational and systems development. During the formative years of his career, Gus assisted Malcolm X in the creation of The Organization of Afro American Unity (OAAU). Gus traveled with Malcolm to Rochester, NY just four days before he was assassinated.

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In this special lecture, Gus will discuss his organizing efforts with Malcolm X in Rochester along with his experience in coordination for the OAAU. After Malcolm's passing, Gus assisted the family with burial services and financial assistance during such a tumultuous time. 

 

More About Gus: 

Eugene “Gus” Newport is a tireless advocate for justice and human rights. Activists and politicians addressing issues from criminal justice to fair elections and equitable community development regularly seek his counsel. At age 85, in his signature wool cap and overcoat, he is frequently on the road, traveling to campaign rallies, boardroom meetings, and negotiations, where his hosts rely on him to offer bold ideas and opinions delivered in a warm and playful but uncompromising manner.

 

From his early activism alongside Malcolm X to his tenure as mayor of Berkeley (1979  - 1986) and his participation in international struggles for peace and justice in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, Gus has been guided by Martin Luther King’s notion of “Beloved Community” -- upholding values of inclusion, cooperation and understanding in his work to advance human rights and equitable community development. These values guided him as Executive Director of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (1988 - 1992), which became a national model for sustainable change and is documented in two award-winning films: Holding Ground and Gaining Ground.

 

Today, Gus is an active member of the leadership committee of the National Council of Elders, which invites “leaders of 20th century civil rights movements to share what they have learned with young leaders of the 21st century and to promote the theory and practice of nonviolence.”  

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