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The UMass Amherst Libraries will host Karida L. Brown, professor of sociology at Emory University, as she presents the 30^th annual W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture on Friday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. in Old Chapel.

Brown is a sociologist, professor, oral historian and public intellectual whose research centers on the fullness of Black life. Her lecture, “Whoopty Doo: W. E. B. Du Bois on Do It Anyways,” will explore Du Bois’ logic of praxis around his public sociology to reflect on the imperative of the public intellectual at the dawn of American fascism. A reception featuring drinks and light snacks will follow the lecture.

Brown was previously a professor of sociology at UCLA, the inaugural director of racial equity and action at the Los Angeles Lakers, and the inaugural Diane Nash Descendants of Emancipation Chair at Fisk University. A Fulbright Scholar, her international research has been supported by national foundations such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Hellman Fellows Fund. Brown also served on the board of the Obama Presidency Oral History Project.  She is the author of several books, including “The Sociology of W. E. B. Du Bois,” and, most recently, “The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families,” which recently won the 55^th NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Literary Work, and “The Battle for the Black Mind.” by Legacy Lit.

“We are deeply honored to have a scholar of the caliber of Professor Brown speaking at this historic lecture,” says Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Center. “As one of the foremost voices in the field of sociology, and a theorist of race firmly in the DuBoisian tradition, we can think of no better person to give the 30^th Annual W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture.”

The lecture is free, but space is limited. Advanced registration is required and the registration form will close when event capacity is reached.