Edward Waters University Presents “Stay Woke” with Ta-Nehisi Coates in President’s Distinguished Speaker Series

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Edward Waters University (EWU) proudly announces the latest installment of its President’s Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring the renowned author, journalist, and distinguished writer in residence at the NYU Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, Ta-Nehisi Coates. The event, titled “Stay Woke,” will take place at Milne Auditorium on February 28, 2024, at 7:00 pm.

Coates is a luminary in the literary and journalistic realms, acclaimed for his groundbreaking work, “Between The World and Me,” which has received numerous accolades, including the New York Times Bestseller status, National Book Award, and being a finalist for both the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize. His profound impact extends to the world of graphic novels, with over 100 titles to his credit, including iconic Marvel series such as Black Panther, Captain America, The Avengers, and World of Wakanda.

As the recipient of the 2015 MacArthur Genius Grant Award, Coates has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to address complex issues surrounding race, identity, and society. His role as the national correspondent of The Atlantic has solidified his standing as one of the most influential voices in contemporary journalism. Coates has also been featured on major news outlets, including ABC, BCC, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and The Grio.

Zachary Faison Jr., J.D., President and CEO of Edward Waters University, expressed enthusiasm about hosting such a distinguished figure on campus. “We are honored to welcome Ta-Nehisi Coates to the Edward Waters University community for our President’s Distinguished Speaker Series. His contributions to literature, journalism, and the exploration of social issues have left an indelible mark on our society. ‘Stay Woke’ promises to be an enlightening and transformative event for our students, faculty, and the entire Jacksonville community.”

The “Stay Woke” event is open to the public, reserve your spot at ew.edu/staywoke. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of a thought-provoking evening with one of the foremost intellectuals of our time.