Anti-racist writer and activist Tim Wise will speak at UNC Charlotte on Tuesday, Oct. 24. A student-focused session is scheduled for 2 p.m., and a community-focused event will be at 6 p.m.; both will be in the Cone University Center, McKnight Hall.
“Tim Wise is an internationally known dynamic speaker who is a foremost thinker in racial identity,” said Tehia Starker Glass, associate professor of elementary education and educational psychology in the Department of Reading and Elementary Education. “His books and videos have influenced many to consider others' perspectives and lived experiences.”
For 25 years, Wise has addressed audiences in all 50 states on topics related to multiculturalism, racism/racial justice and leadership. He has visited more than 1,000 college and high school campuses, spoken at hundreds of professional and academic conferences and worked with community organizations. He has trained corporate, government, entertainment, media, law enforcement, military and medical industry professionals on methods of dismantling racism in their work environment.
Wise has written seven books. His most recent “Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America” discusses economic inequality and the demonization of those who are in need. He strives to promote the importance of supporting programs and policies that are meant to alleviate poverty in struggling families. He also wrote “White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son” and “Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority.”
“Having him on campus in such a time as this in our country, community and campus can help us have more language and perspective in our conversations and actions that focus on race and equity,” said Glass.
Wise appears regularly on CNN and MSNBC to discuss race issues. He graduated from Tulane University in 1990 and received antiracism training from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond in New Orleans.
The Cato College of Education, Multicultural Resource Center, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Urban Education Collective and the Dean of Students Office are cosponsoring White’s visit.