The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. will visit NIU Oct. 20 and lecture at 4 p.m. in the Altgeld Hall Auditorium.

The lecture is part of the annual Marla Dickerson Public Interest Lecture Series, which started last year.

Jackson is a well-known political, religious and civil rights figure and has been a player in many of the movements of the 20th century, such as the civil rights movement.

Jackson will lecture on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and possibly take questions from the audience as well, said LeRoy Pernell, dean of the College of Law.

“[The] Rev. Jackson’s presence signifies the importance that NIU Law places on examining the critical issues of voting rights in the United States,” according to an NIU press release.

“[Jackson] has been the voice of conscience on human rights for the nation for several decades,” Pernell said.

Jackson recently founded “Operation: PUSH,” or “People United to Serve Humanity” in Chicago to help minorities and those in need find employment.

The Marla Dickerson Public Interest Lecture series was started in remembrance of Marla Dickerson, as well as to continue the purpose of the NIU Law School and was funded by the Dickerson Family after the loss of law student Marla Dickerson.

A reception will take place after the lecture in the Thurgood Marshall Gallery.

Those attending must RSVP by Monday to the office of alumni events by calling 753-9655.