Author, social justice advocate Wise to speak

Author and social justice advocate Tim Wise will appear at UW–Madison on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Wise’s presentation will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Upper Carson Gulley and is open to students, faculty and staff.

Along with writing popular books, including “White Like Me” and “Affirmative Action,” Wise has spoken in 48 states and at more than 400 universities. His efforts earned him the 2001 British diversity award as well as the praise of world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Wise is currently working to dismantle institutional racism by working with teachers, law officials and students. On Thursday, he will speak about white privilege, a complex and sensitive issue that deals with the advantages society gives to people identified as white.

Larry Davis, residence life coordinator for University Housing, says Wise was asked to speak because of students’ requests to from leaders on social justice issues.

“On campus, there has been a real interest by students in exploring social justice,” Davis says. “Tim Wise is really good at engaging students and challenging them.”