WHAT: The University of Iowa is presenting "A Deeper Black: Race in America", a lecture by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a national correspondent with The Atlantic and author of The Beautiful Struggle. At the conclusion of the lecture, Coates will moderate a community conversation featuring a panel of UI faculty, students and staff, and an Iowa City Council member.

A national correspondent for The Atlantic, Coates has penned many influential articles, including his cover story on slavery and race, "The Case for Reparations." Coates was recently honored with the 2014 George Polk Award for commentary for the piece, and last year his blog for The Atlantic was named by Time magazine as one of the 25 best in the world.

The event is free and open to the public. First come, first seated.

WHY: The event, sponsored by the UI, Office of the Provost, Chief Diversity Office, and Vice President for Student Life, is part of an ongoing effort to create dialogue on campus about our identities, and how we interact and are impacted by our experiences, in the hopes that we can find better ways to build community together.

It’s the first in a series of events recognizing that providing an inclusive and welcoming campus environment requires an ongoing attention. Conversations can be made easier when informed by multiple perspectives and in an environment of careful listening. These conversations will elicit themes that help guide policies, practices, and programs that best serve students and the entire UI community.

Learn more about Ta-Nehisi Coates and upcoming related events at studentlife.uiowa.edu/news/being-black-at-iowa/.

WHO: Community conversation participants will include Michael Hill, UI faculty member, English/African American Studies; Tab Wiggins, UI staff member, Residence Education; Kendra Malone, UI staff member, Chief Diversity Office; Nailah Roberts, UI student; Justin Roberson, UI student; and Kingsley Botchway, Iowa City Council member.

WHEN and WHERE:

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Media availability with Coates: 4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. House Chamber at the Old Capitol Museum

7 p.m. – Doors open to the public at the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City

7:30 p.m. – Lecture begins, followed by a community conversation

Please note: Photography/video will only be allowed for the first five minutes of the lecture to help create an atmosphere where people are able to talk openly and frankly during the community conversation about sensitive topics, their feelings, and experiences.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Sarah Hansen in advance at 319-335-3557.