On September 5, 2024, the Humanities Council presented the 18th Annual Humanities Colloquium in the Chancellor Green Rotunda. Inspired by the centenary of James Baldwin, and the launch of the Council’s Baldwin Circles project, the public event’s theme was “Knowledge and Action.”
In A Letter to My Nephew (1962), Baldwin wrote: “[P]eople find it very difficult to act on what they know. To act is to be committed and to be committed is to be in danger.” Taking these words as a point of departure, the Colloquium examined the role that knowing and acting play within our democracy.
“Our panelists, from various disciplinary and interdisciplinary angles, have taken up Baldwin’s challenge by engaging one another – and you – in conversation,” said Esther Schor (English), chair of the Humanities Council, in her opening remarks.
Speakers included Yelena Baraz (Classics; Society of Fellows), Eliza Griswold (Journalism), Jan-Werner Müller (Politics), and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor (African American Studies). The scholars explored the theme as it pertains to their own work and research.
Immediately following the event, the Council held a reception to welcome new faculty, fellows, and visitors to the University.
Watch the 18th Annual Colloquium here.
Learn more about the Colloquium and revisit past events on the Humanities Council website.
