As part of Detroit Mercy’s celebration of Black History Month, Ibram X. Kendi, author of the 2016 National Book Award-winning Stamped From The Beginning: A Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, will speak at University of Detroit Mercy at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in the Student Center Ball Room on the McNichols Campus.
Kendi’s research calls into question the idea of a post-racial society and opens the eyes of readers and audiences to the reality of racism in America today. His lectures have been called sharp, informative and hopeful, and serve as a platform for discussions on racial discrimination. Following his presentation, attendees with a copy of his book will receive a bookplate signed by Kendi.
As a cultural historian, Kendi challenges deeply held and often progressive assumptions. Using the history of U.S. political rhetoric, beginning in the 1600s with Cotton Mather and ending with hip-hop, he argues that even the most fervent anti-racists have been infected with that resilient virus.
As professor of History and International Relations, and director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, Kendi’s work focuses on racist and anti-racist ideas and movements. During his career, he has published academic essays as well as op-eds in publications such as The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Salon and The Chronicle of Higher Education. He is also the author of the award-winning book, The Black Campus Movement: Black Students and the Racial Reconstitution of Higher Education, 1965-1972.
Kendi’s visit is a follow-up to the 2017 Ta-Nehisi Coates lecture on the Detroit Mercy campus, which brought thousands of people to Calihan Hall. Tickets for Kendi’s discussion are limited. To order tickets, visit https://kendidetroitmercy.eventbrite.com and bring your ticket to the event. The event is free. Seating is general admission: first come, first seated.
The Campaign for University of Detroit Mercy is raising funds to ensure students and the community have access to programs like this. Please consider making a gift toward the $100-million goal online or by calling 313-993-1250. Gifts of any size can make a major difference.
