University News

Ibram X Kendi Speaks at WIU

April 30, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - On April 11, Western Illinois University hosted Professor Ibram X. Kendi, Andrew W. Mellon, professor in the Humanities at Boston University, director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research and the author of "How to be an Anti-Racist" and "Stamped from the Beginning" for a discussion about race, race relations and diversity, equity and inclusion policies. More than 300 faculty, staff, students and community members attended.
Interim President Kristi Mindrup delivered the opening remarks.

"Colleges and universities across the United States have navigated a long history of racial tensions while providing leadership for social change. Western Illinois University has both experienced racial tension on and off campus and also demonstrated leadership to shape change," Mindrup said.

Interviewed by Julia Albarracín, professor of Political Science and director of the Healing Illinois Program that sponsored the event, Kendi described how he had internalized racist ideas that were common during his youth.

"If there was ever a decade in American history where black youth were demonized and denigrated, were considered a menace to society and considered super predators it was the 1990s," Kendi said.

Kendi discussed how taking African-American courses in college helped him overcome his misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Albarracín asked questions about the origin of racist ideas, solutions for countrywide attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies and recommendations on how to make WIU a more inclusive campus. The event concluded with a book signing.

Carl Ervin, co-director of the Healing Illinois Program and director for Justice, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at WIU introduced Kendi.

"Having over 300 in attendance at a program featuring Dr. Kendi is a shining example of the continuing commitment to racial justice and the fight against hate and bigotry on the campus of WIU and in the city of Macomb and the state of Illinois. The work continues and along with like-minded individuals we make the community and the world a better place, one event, one action, one person, one day at a time," Ervin said.

Lorette Oden, chair of the Antiracism Taskforce, co-director of the Healing Illinois Program, and dean of the Honors College said about Kendi's talk.

"Hearing from a speaker of the caliber of Dr. Kendi sent a clear message to the attendees, both on campus and in the virtual setting, that WIU is willing to listen to and address the difficult questions around race and biases," Oden said.

This event was made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Healing Illinois Program secured by Albarracín, Oden, and Ervin. The Black Student Association (BSA) assisted with the event logistics and prepared insightful questions for the speaker. The WIU Office of the President, JIDE, the Multicultural Center and an anonymous donor helped fund travel expenses. Dean Billy Clow of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) and Assistant to the COFAC Dean Dana Moon facilitated the ticketing system.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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