Racism isn’t just black and white.
While described as “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race” by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Ibram X. Kendi claims it is not that simple.
Ibram X. Kendi. Photo courtesy of Kendi’s website.
Ibram X. Kendi will be the speaker for WCU’s Civil Discourse Series at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, in the UC Grand Room sponsored by Campus Activities where he’ll discuss racism in America.
Kendi is a professor of History and International Relations and is the founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at the American University. He is also an award-winning historian and a New York Times Best-Selling author.
In his latest book “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America,” Kendi challenges the way racism is viewed in America.
He introduces ideas of gender-racism and class-racism and challenges the concept that racism stems from ignorance.
While at WCU, Kendi will be also be holding sessions with students and staff earlier in the day.
These sessions, which are available only to preselected students and staff, will allow those present to delve deeper into his theories and work about racism and reflect on what it means to them as leaders on campus.
Stephanie Sue Rowell, the associate director for campus programs, is excited for the opportunity this provides students.
Tickets that are available for free pickup. Photo by Keegan Wiggins
Rowell continued to explain that the goal of the Civil Discourse Series is to see beyond our differences.
“We are able to step outside of our own point of view, see other’s point of view and figure out where our commonalities lie and how we work together,” said Rowell.
For those interested in attending his lecture, be sure to stop by the guest services desk in the UC to pick up your ticket before they’re gone.
To learn more about Ibram X. Kendi click here, and make sure to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
