Tim Wise, who is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the country, will speak at Stetson University Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., in the Hollis Center/Rinker Field House, 600 N. Bert Fish Drive, on Stetson’s DeLand campus.

Wise will speak on “Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity.” The event is free and open to the public.

Ever since the civil rights movement, many Americans (liberal and conservative) have advocated a retreat from color-conscious public policies such as affirmative action, and even from open discussion of racism as a key factor in the perpetuation of racial inequity in the United States. They have argued that the barriers faced by black and brown Americans are largely divorced from racism, and that these stem either from race-neutral economic factors, including deindustrialization and inadequate funding for education, jobs programs, and other programs of social uplift, or cultural factors, including single-parent families, welfare dependence, and a “culture of poverty.” From this starting point, they contend that “universal” programs intended to help the poor and working class are the best means for narrowing the racial inequalities, or that “self-help” and “personal responsibility” will suffice.

In discussing the pitfalls of “colorblindness” in the Obama era, Wise argues against colorblindness and for deeper color-consciousness in both public and private practice. He also debunks the notion that racial inequalities can be blamed on cultural attributes specific to people of color, or that those inequalities can be solved with race-neutral economic policies. Wise explains that we can only begin to move toward authentic social and economic equity through what he calls “illuminated individualism” — acknowledging the way racial identity continues to shape our experiences and perceptions today, both consciously and unconsciously.

“A quick look at top media stories or our presidential debates makes it clear that many Americans are struggling with how to relate to people they see as different from themselves,” said Lua Hancock, Ed.D., vice provost for Campus Life and Student Success at Stetson. “Some respond with open statements condemning individuals or whole groups within our society, others by saying they love everyone and don’t see color at all. In our country and on our campuses we have to have deep dialogue on the topics of equity and inclusive excellence. If we are to graduate students ready to “solve complex world problems,” as our strategic map strives for, then time and space for dialogue on these important issues is essential.”

Named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in all 50 states, on over 800 college and high school campuses, and to community groups across the nation.

Wise is the author of seven books, including his latest, Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America (City Lights Books).

Wise has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, is a regular contributor to discussions about race on CNN and has been featured on ABC’s 20/20.

He graduated from Tulane University in 1990 and received anti-racism training from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, in New Orleans.

For more information, contact Luis F. Paredes, Ph.D., [email protected], 386-822-7402, director of Diversity and Inclusion at Stetson University.