Potters College of Arts and Letters will host New York Times columnist, author and MSNBC analyst Charles Blow for the second event of this year’s PCAL Cultural Enhancement Series to celebrate Black History Month.
“The PCAL Cultural Enhancement Series provides the campus and community the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s most influential artists and intellectuals.” states the official CES website. “The goal of the series is to challenge our audiences, to expose them to new ideas, and give them new perspectives on our world.”
Blow is a former Op-Ed columnist at the New York Times and previously served as the paper’s graphics director. He has also worked as the art director of National Geographic Magazine and for The Detroit News. He will begin the inaugural Langston Hughes Fellowship at Harvard University in the 2025-2026 academic year.
According to an email sent to PCAL students, he is often known for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives and visuals.
“Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance and tremendous insight,” stated the email.
He is also a New York Times bestselling author of “The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto” and “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” which won a Lambda Literary Award and Sperber Prize.
The event will be held in the Downing Student Union Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13.
No tickets are necessary for admission and seating is on a first-come first-serve basis.
Following his talk, a book signing will be offered. A QR attendance code will also be available for students.
News Reporter Libby Simpson can be reached at [email protected].
