New York Times bestselling author and political commentator Eddie Glaude Jr. is set to engage in a conversation with Stony Brook University Executive Vice President and Provost Carl Lejuez during the upcoming Presidential Lecture on February 27.
Glaude, who holds the title of James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and previously chaired Princeton University's Department of African American Studies from 2009 to 2023, will explore the complex dynamics of the American experience. His work examines Black communities, racial challenges in the United States, and democratic issues.
The discussion will be guided by audience questions, focusing on anti-racism—a concept that opposes valuing some people over others—and the need for systematic thinking about societal issues. Glaude's latest book, "We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For," is based on lectures he delivered at Harvard University. The book advocates for ordinary Black Americans to move beyond reliance on professional politicians towards self-cultivation and grassroots movements for a just democracy.
Known as an American critic in line with figures like James Baldwin and Ralph Waldo Emerson, Glaude confronts history while revealing national complexities and vulnerabilities. He finds hope in one of his favored quotes from Du Bois: “not hopeless, but a bit unhopeful.” His commencement speech at Colgate University in 2015 was recognized by The New York Times as one of the year's best.
Glaude's other works include "Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul," "In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America," and "Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own."
The lecture will take place at 5 p.m. at Charles B. Wang Center Theater, free to attend but with limited seating. RSVPs are requested by February 13, with an opportunity to submit questions online beforehand. A Q&A session, book signing, and reception will follow.