The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity at Washington University, directed by Dr. Darrell Hudson, has arranged for Heather to speak for free at Graham Chapel on the Campus of Wash U to all who are interested in hearing a national thought leader dedicated to equity. Civitas has been gifted 50 copies of Heather’s most recent book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together to give students who are interested in hearing Heather talk. Additionally, 5-10 students are invited to attend a smaller gathering at 3:00 on Feb. 1 and have the opportunity to engage with Heather directly. If you are interested in attending the earlier event, you can tell us on the signup form. (Civitas and Wash U will help you with the possibility of needing to leave school early to arrive by 3:00 pm on a Thursday.)
Some additional info about Heather:
Over her career in public policy, Heather McGhee has crafted legislation, testified before Congress, and helped shape presidential campaign platforms. Her book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, spent 10 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award and Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. The New York Times called it, “The book that should change how progressives talk about race” and the Chicago Tribune said, “Required reading to move the country forward…”. It is a Washington Post and TIME Magazine Must-Read Book of 2021. Starting at Fairgrounds Park in North St. Louis City, where a riot was sparked after the first Black St. Louis residents attempted to swim at a newly desegregated pool at Fairgrounds Park, McGhee chronicles the sobering history of divide and inequity across the United States. However, she implores the reader to reframe equity, moving away from a “zero sum” mindset to an inclusive perspective in which everyone can thrive.
This event is free and open to all middle and high school students.
