Jan. 11, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, an internationally known scholar of race, religion and contemporary culture, will kick off Grand Rapids Community College’s 2021 Diversity Lecture Series on Jan. 27.
Dyson, a Detroit native and author of more than 20 books, will speak on the topic “Pandemic, postelection blues and culture: Where do we go from here?” in the virtual event, which starts at 6 p.m.
The event is hosted by GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Registration is available here: tinyurl.com/DysonRSVP
“Dr. Dyson is a preeminent scholar, author, and thought leader. What makes him compelling is his ability to connect the world of academia, which can be intimidating, to broader, intergenerational audiences,” said B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer.
“It is fitting that the Diversity Lecture Series, which has a long-standing record of hosting influential guests, is the medium through which GRCC and the Grand Rapids community can come together.”
Dyson is a Georgetown University sociology professor and a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. He has won NAACP Image Awards for outstanding non-fiction literary work, an American Book Award and a Southern Book Prize.
His most recent book, “Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America,” was published in December.
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is partnering with the community organization Mus(ed), a to present Dyson with the Ujima Impact Award at the event. The award recognizes extraordinary commitment and contribution to research, scholarship, artistic expression, and service that uplifts the experiences of communities of color.
Mus(ed) is a nonprofit branch of Muse GR, an interactive art gallery and event space in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.