AMES, Iowa -- Only five people (including former President Barack Obama) were interviewed for the video exhibition on race relations at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Tim Wise was one of them.
A renowned antiracist writer and educator, Wise will present "Understanding and Defeating Racism and Discrimination in America" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Stephens Auditorium at Iowa State University. His talk is free and open to the public.
Wise is the author of the memoir, "White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son." Now in its third edition, the book is a personal examination of the way in which racial privilege shapes the daily lives of white Americans in every realm: employment, education, housing, criminal justice and elsewhere. Wise has written six other books, including "Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White" and "Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity."
Named one of Utne Reader's “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” Wise has spent the last 25 years speaking to audiences across the country and training corporate, government, media and military professionals on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions. He has contributed chapters or essays to over 25 additional books, and appears regularly on NPR, CNN and MSNBC to discuss race issues.
Author and philosopher Cornel West described Wise as " ... a truth-teller and long distance freedom-fighter ... whose fight against white supremacy is exemplary and inspiring."
Wise's presentation is co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Greek Affairs, Interfraternity Council and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by Student Government.
More information on ISU lectures is available online, or by calling 515-294-9935.
