The Blinding Light of Race: Disguising Immorality from Aristotle to Trump

The Classical Studies Department, co-sponsored by the International Comparative Studies Department with generous support by Trinity College and the John Hope Franklin invites you to hear Dr. Michael Blakey, NEH Professor of Anthropology, Africana Studies and American Studies at the College of William & Mary, the founding director of its Institute for Historical Biology. Prof. Blakey is a renowned bioanthropologist, he was Scientific Director of the New York African Burial Ground Project (1992-2009), the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North American for both free and enslaved Africans, now a National Monument. Dr. Blakey's work has been essential in advancing our understanding not only of the role of enslaved peoples in the early construction of New York's urban fabric and economy, but also in confronting structural racism in archaeological and museological practice, from our research questions to our treatment of human remains and our engagement with descendent communities. Dr. Blakey is the recipient of numerous awards. He is currently serving as Co- Chair of the American Anthropological Association's Commission for the Ethical Treatment of Human Remains, while also completing a monograph on race and racism in science and society, adding to his 90+ reports, refereed articles, and edited volumes.

Prof. Blakey's lecture, "The Blinding Light of Race: Disguising Immorality from Aristotle to Trump" will take place in the Franklin Humanities Institute's Ahmadieh Family Lecture Hall (Smith Warehouse, Bay 4, C105) on Monday, April 3 at 5 PM. A reception with light refreshments will precede the talk, beginning at 4:30.

Please note, this is a hybrid event: attendance will be possible over Zoom. To RSVP by calling Sondra Horn at 684-6008 or e-mailing sondra.horn@duke.edu.