Tonight’s book talk about a young Black student’s struggles on the path to a career in the white-dominated profession of law, Scholarship Boy: Meditations on Family and Race, is the first program in a new 2020-21 series VCU Libraries is piloting that explores race, identity and social justice. 

For the past 20 years, VCU Libraries has held a Black History Month Lecture in February. “With VCU’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, it is important to look beyond a single annual program,” said Interim Dean Teresa L. Knott. The libraries’ Events Office is now exploring expanding that annual program into a more diverse series of programs that enhances the discussion of key themes related to anti-racism and cultural awareness.

“The Black Lives Matter movement has spotlighted the need for more thorough explorations of systemic racism and deeper discussions about social and racial justice,” Knott said. 

Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations Gregory Kimbrell, who manages the Events Office, will be forming a committee to develop this pilot program of events for 2020-21. People with ideas for programs--book talks, lectures, discussions--are invited to contact Kimbrell.