Every community has some vacant properties. But systemic vacancy is the kind that is so widespread it changes the character of a neighborhood. Systemic vacancy is a result of deep issues like concentrated poverty, economic decline, and market failure, which are often rooted in historically racist policies. Time and experience have clearly shown that neighborhoods of color have experienced historic disinvestment that more often leads to systemic vacancy, the effects of which persist today.
In this plenary, we are honored to be joined by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to discuss disinvestment in communities of color, and what can be done. Dr. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News racial justice contributor. His relentless and passionate research puts into question the notion of a postracial society and opens readers’ and audiences’ eyes to the reality of racism in America today. Dr. Kendi’s lectures are sharp, informative, and hopeful, serving as a strong platform for any institution’s discussions on racism and being antiracist.
Dr. Kendi is also the author of many highly acclaimed books including Stamped from the
Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction, making him the youngest ever winner of that award. He had also produced five straight #1 New York Times bestsellers, including How to Be an Antiracist, Antiracist Baby, and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, co-authored by Jason Reynolds. To learn more about Dr. Kendi, visit prhspeakers.com/speaker/dr-ibram-x-kendi.