Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the renowned literary critic and historian, is widely celebrated as one of the foremost authorities on the history of African American literature. Credited with discovering the earliest known literary works by African American writers, Gates is also celebrated for the work he has done to make history accessible and appealing through his PBS show Finding Your Roots, and through his numerous, award-winning documentaries. Amongst other honors, Gates has been awarded the National Humanities Medal and a MacArthur fellowship. In his newest book Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow, Gates argues that the roots of contemporary structural racism can be found in this transformative period, demonstrating yet again why he is one of America’s most powerful voices on race and history. Gates will be joined by Bruce Dold, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Chicago Tribune.

Preorder your copy of Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow through the CHF box office and save 20%.

Charter Humanists must reserve tickets for this program by calling Daniella Mazzio at (312) 777-1569.

This program is presented in partnership with the Chicago Tribune.

Become a member to get early access to tickets and support Festival programming like Henry Louis Gates!