Ibram X. Kendi Coming to Rutgers–Camden

On Monday, March 27, Rutgers University in Camden will host keynote speaker Ibram X. Kendi, author of five straight #1 New York Times bestsellers, for the 2023 installment of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series on Global Racial Reckoning and Civility, A prolific writer, scholar, and activist, Kendi became a household name following the success of his 2019 book, How to Be an Antiracist. The book was a central text of the global racial reckoning of 2020; that year, Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Kendi’s relentless and passionate research questions the notion of a post-racial society, exposing readers and audiences to the reality of racism in modern America.

“I invite Rutgers–Camden faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to listen to the words of Ibram X. Kendi, one of the nation’s foremost voices on racial justice,” said Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis. “We are honored that Dr. Kendi is bringing his bold, transformative scholarship to our campus. His lecture will give rise to vital conversations within our community and will further cement Rutgers–Camden’s status as a central institution in the study of race and equality.”

Kendi’s most recent books, 2022’s How to Raise an Antiracist and Goodnight Racism, focus on the promotion of racial and social justice among children, parents, and caregivers. The latter title, along with 2020’s Antiracist Baby, is a children’s picture book ideal for readers from preschool age to first grade. In 2021, he co-founded The Emancipator, an online newspaper dedicated to racial justice. Kendi’s publications complement an approach focused on policy changes aimed at increasing racial equity nationwide.

Kendi’s lecture is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required by Friday, March 24. Due to limited space and high demand, those planning to attend are encouraged to register for the event as soon as possible. The moderated lecture will take place from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Campus Center.