Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, will be speaking at 7 p.m. today in the Erickson Kiva.

The Black Panther Party was formed in the 1960s to support black civil rights.

Associate Professor Curtis Stokes of James Madison College said Seale was an important figure in the 1960s.

“He has been an admired figure among many sectors of the black and progressive community since that time,” he said. “I think it’s very important that students of this generation have access to an important figure such as Bobby Seale.”

Darren Lamb, programming director for Black Student Alliance, said the university needs to sponsor more events designed to educate students about African American issues.

“It will be a positive experience for the black students on campus to meet a real leader in the struggle,” the journalism senior said. “The more experience students have to those types of figures, the more change they can make in their critical thinking and society at large.”

“I’m glad he’s still available for people to speak to him,” said Thomas Nishi, coordinator for Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Affairs. “I think it’s a great thing.”

The event is free and open to the public.