The Robert Talbot Civil Rights Speaker Series promotes dialogue and engagement that advances the political, social, educational, and economic equality of all U.S. residents.
Established in 2021 by the Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP and the University of Maine Alumni Association, the series is named in honor of Robert “Bob” Talbot. For decades the Bangor native has been one of Maine’s foremost leaders in the pursuit of racial equity, justice, and non-discriminatory policies and practices.
The Robert Talbot Civil Rights Speaker Series consists of an annual fall event featuring one or more high-profile state or national civil rights activists. Each year’s program will be held on the UMaine campus unless circumstances require the event to be held online.
Sponsored by: 
Watch the 2023 Robert Talbot Civil Rights Speaker Series
FEATURING: The Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives
“Maine’s Path to Inclusion and Equity: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead”
Watch the 2022 Robert Talbot Civil Rights Speaker Series “Civil Rights and the Courts”
FEATURING: The Honorable Rick E. Lawrence – Associate Justice, Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
Followed by remarks from attorneys Ukeme Awakessien Jeter ’04 and Angela Okafor.
Watch the inaugural event: Robert Talbot Civil Rights Speaker Series from October 2021
FEATURING: Fighting Time co-authors, Amy Banks and Isaac Knapper
Support the Robert Talbot Civil Rights Speaker Series
Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and are held by the University of Maine Foundation. Donations and sponsorships will be used solely to cover costs associated with the annual event, which will be organized by the Alumni Association in coordination with the Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP. Tax-deductible donations may be made here. Thank you!
Contact Kenna Farrey at Kenna.farrey@maine.edu for more information.