He admitted to not knowing much about President-elect Barack Obama.

“I found he was a community organizer,” he said. “I said ‘Oh, I’m a community organizer,’ and I identified with that.”

The months of preparation for the event proved to be an amazing experience, said Jennifer White, chairwoman of the Bobby Seale planning committee.

“I think our organizations putting all of this together will really open the minds, as well as provide wonderful information about the struggle and where we are right now,” White said. The event was a way for people to interact with history, she said.

“It feels really good to be involved and to bring a figure with this much history and the caliber to our campus,” White said.

The committee planned everything from flights, food, hotel and transportation. The best part of it all was spending time with Seale, White said.

“Interacting with the agents as well as having the opportunity to interact with Mr. Seale and his assistant on a close level — it’s a great opportunity,” she said.

Although White was excited for the lecture, she said it would be a relief when it was over.

“I am looking forward to organizing other events and bring other speakers to enlighten (MSU) students, faculty and community members,” she said.

The Kellogg Center was filled to capacity with students and community members.
History junior Rich Mares was one of those who packed into the room.

“To see, A, a historical figure, and, also B, I’m writing my thesis on African American armed resistance, so it seemed like an appropriate thing for me to attend,” Mares said.