Ayad Akhtar and Eboo Patel: On Offense
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Ayad Akhtar and Eboo Patel: On Offense

On Offense: Creative Expression and Democratic Engagement Between Racism and Anti-Racism

About the Event:

One of the greatest tensions in American society exists between preserving freedom of speech and respecting the sensitivities of marginalized communities, and it has been manifesting increasingly in academics, business, and the arts. Ayad Akhtar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, novelist, and President of PEN America, joins Interfaith America Founder and President Eboo Patel in conversation to explore how to hold space for intellectual liberty and creative expression without sacrificing the dignity of individual identities and beliefs.


  • Chicago Humanities is pleased to partner with the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, a Chicago not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. Pre-order your copy of We Need To Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy through the Chicago Humanities Box Office and save 20% while supporting local, independent bookselling. Add books to your cart when adding tickets. Your receipt will contain a book voucher, which you will show to the bookseller on-site to pick up your book(s).
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Eboo Patel

Eboo Patel

Eboo Patel is a civic leader who believes that religious diversity is an essential and inspiring dimension of America...

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Ayad Akhtar

Ayad Akhtar

Ayad Akhtar is a novelist and playwright. Akhtar is the winner of numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for D...

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[Event tile image description: The event image at the top left of the event page is a photograph of Ayad Akhtar (left) and Eboo Patel (right) on a light blue background. Images courtesy of Ayad Akhtar and Eboo Patel]