Why does the United States, one of the richest countries on earth, allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit citizens to live and die on the streets, and continue to pay poverty wages? Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist Matthew Desmond uses vivid storytelling and rigorous research to delve into the heart of wealth inequality in America and to call on all of us to become poverty abolitionists, ushering in a new age of shared prosperity. Join Chicago Humanities and Sasha-Ann Simons to learn about Desmond’s startlingly original and ambitious case for creating a more equitable society.

A book signing will follow this program.

• This program is part of the Social Justice and Equity Series supported by Allstate and ITW.
• 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 Poverty, By America 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).
• Please visit our FAQ for more information about ticketing, books, accessibility options, and other event logistics.