The office of multicultural affairs hosted a forum for Congressman Harold Ford Jr. of the ninth district of Tennessee on Wed. in the Watkins Auditorium to commemorate Black History Month.

An SGA sponsored reception was held in the U.C., prior to Ford’s speech. Several student organizations greeted the congressman with questions and support. The college democrats presented Ford with a gift to welcome him to the UTM campus and show their appreciation.

The theme of Ford’s speech was diversity. Some of the key elements emphasized included: our role in the world, the pursuit of math and science and the necessity for quality teachers.

Ford made numerous claims regarding education: “We need to revamp the philosophy of no-child-left-behind.” Ford is proactive with education; he co-wrote Sen. John Kerry’s education initiative. Another area mentioned was teachers’ salary. Ford stressed the importance in compensating teachers for the crucial role they play in our country.

Another key element of the speech was terrorism. Ford gave a hypothetical situation if he were president: “If I were president, I would establish direct communications with the FBI and the CIA to ensure quality intelligence is being pursued to the best of our ability.”

Following the speech, Ford responded to audience questions, most of which were directed at higher education and the economy.

Ford's visit to campus is expected to be one of many initiatives overseen by the multicultural office, aimed at uniting groups of students.

Congressman Ford received his law degree from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1996. He earned a bachelor's degree in American History from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. Born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 11, 1970, Congressman Ford is the eldest son of former U.S. Representative Harold E. Ford and Dorothy Ford. He has two brothers, Jake and Isaac Ford.