Events

On Wednesday, August 30th, the Department of History will host a series of conversations that explore the ongoing struggle for social justice and racial equality at the University of Virginia (UVA) and situate the racist events of August 11th and August 12th within a larger historical perspective. The opening talk, led by Professor Claudrena Harold, will engage the following questions: What does the complex nature of political, intellectual, and social life at the University of Virginia tell us about how race is lived and experienced in 21st century America?  How and to what degree have the individual and collective experiences of African American undergraduates transformed since the late 1960s and early 1970s? How have those transformations been shaped by larger political developments in higher education, U.S. race relations, etc.? And to what degree can an engagement with the history of civil rights and social justice movements at the University and beyond assist current efforts to make the University a more democratic and safe space for students, faculty, workers, etc.?  

Professor Harold’s 15-20 minute talk will be followed by breakout sessions led by other faculty members (including but not limited to Professors Grace Hale, Will Hitchcock, Andrew Kahrl, and Sarah Milov).

Discussion topics will include 1) safety, 2) what can artists and communities do? and 3) free speech, creative practice and freedom from harm.

On August 18, Shaun Harper gave a lecture at McLeod Hall titled “Strategic Action for Faculty and Staff in the Aftermath of Hate at UVA.”

Shaun R. Harper is on the faculty at Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, where he is the Clifford and Betty Allen Professor in Urban Leadership and directs the Race & Equity Center. Professor Harper’s research examines race and gender in education, equity trends and racial climates on college campuses. He is author of over 90 peer-reviewed journal articles and other academic publications. His 12 books include Student Engagement in Higher Education, College Men and Masculinities, and Advancing Black Male Student Success from Preschool through Ph.D. The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, Chronicle of Higher Education, and numerous other media outlets have quoted Dr. Harper and highlighted his groundbreaking research. He has appeared on CNN, ESPN, CSPAN, and NPR. Professor Harper earned his bachelor’s degree from Albany State, a Historically Black University in Georgia, and Ph.D. from Indiana University.