History records that Betty Ford and Eleanor Roosevelt often spoke bluntly on issues they championed with a candor that sometimes made the White House senior staff recoil, pundits leap for their pens, and citizens discuss issues they usually chose to ignore. Only now are scholars beginning to realize the impact they had on their administrations’ policies and their parties’ electoral politics.

To celebrate Betty Ford’s birthday in April, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is hosting a presentation from Allida Black, one of the country’s top experts on first ladies. She will present “Outspoken Women: What Eleanor Roosevelt and Betty Ford Taught us about Leadership,” at 7:30-9 p.m. April 24 at the library.

Black is research professor of history and international affairs at George Washington University, and historian and director of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers. She will explore the political influence the two first ladies had on their husband’s public policy initiatives, on their re-election efforts, and the national conservation about what citizenship in a democracy requires.

There is free parking and admission, and open seating. A reception will follow the program.

World Malaria Day Forum

In conjunction with others across the world, the University of Michigan will host an awareness symposium on World Malaria Day, April 25. Join a multidisciplinary audience from 1-5 p.m. Friday in the Michigan Union Pendleton Room to exchange ideas and collaborate to defeat malaria.

All are welcome, especially students, academics, health-care professionals, the business community, and governmental and non-governmental organizations interested in the latest advancements in malaria research.

Free registration is available at www.nextbillion.net/healthcare/malaria.