Former Jewish activist honored

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A former MSU student’s fight for social justice is in the spotlight thanks to an MSU fraternity member who recognized his past efforts for equality.

Michael Schwerner, a former MSU chapter member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, or AEPi, will be recognized at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Student Leadership Conference on Saturday at the Union for his work as a civil rights activist during the 1960s. The fraternity will receive an award in Schwerner’s honor.

Schwerner is being recognized for his efforts in promoting equality, such as helping African Americans register to vote in the South at the time.

“A lot of rabbis in the country played a big role in the civil rights movement and I think the most iconic was the death of Michael Schwerner,” said Geoff Levin, a member of AEPi and president of the Jewish community center.

Levin, a member of AEPi and part of the planning committee for the award, nominated Schwerner for the honor, which is given annually.

“(Schwerner) is a hero not only to Jews or AEPi members, but to anyone at the university or anyone that supports a fight for greater social justice,” Levin said.

Schwerner’s involvement in civil rights activism made him a well-known figure to the Ku Klux Klan, or KKK, who nicknamed the 24-year-old “Goatee,” said Ken Waltzer, the director of Jewish studies at MSU. Schwerner’s involvement in the movement resulted in his killing by members of the KKK in late 1964, he said.

“His action was significant enough that the enemies of an integrated America, the enemies of a racially equal America, targeted him to be killed,” Waltzer said. “I remember that summer, and that shocked the hell out of everybody. It was a terrible, terrible blow.”

Waltzer said Schwerner deserves the award.

“He’s a very prominent figure in the memory of the local (fraternity) chapter,” Waltzer said.

After learning about Schwerner’s strong connection to MSU, the planning committee knew it had found the right person for the award.

“We couldn’t think of a better person,” Levin said.

Aaron Goss, president of MSU’s AEPi chapter, said the house members share Schwerner’s passion for equality. Goss will accept the award on the fraternity’s behalf.

“Our brothers are dedicated to not just themselves, but helping out everyone and making sure there is equality in the world,” Goss said.

Nearly 50 years later, Schwerner’s efforts have not been forgotten.

“He was a person that put his body on the line and he was willing to do everything he could to make a better America,” Waltzer said.

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