Author, alumnus Tim Wise to discuss the rise of ‘Trumpism’

Anti-racism activist and author Tim Wise will tackle the rise of “Trumpism” and provide historical perspective on the current political climate during his talk “Great White Hoax: Racism, Divide-and-Conquer and Politics of Trumpism,” at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Lavin-Bernick Center's Kendall Cram Ballroom on Tulane’s uptown campus.

Wise’s lecture is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Center for Public Service, the Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design Thinking, the Center for Academy Equity, Newcomb-Tulane College, and Newcomb College Institute.

A 1990 political science graduate of Tulane University, Wise began his career as an activist while a student, when he fought for economic sanctions against apartheid South Africa.

“I hope that students come to the event with open minds and consider how the current political climate is not only affecting our nation but how it’s affecting our campus.”

— Carolyn Barber-Pierre, assistant vice president for student affairs in the Office of Multicultural Affairs

Carolyn Barber-Pierre, assistant vice president for student affairs in the Tulane Office of Multicultural Affairs, said that Wise was very involved as a student with her office.

“There’s such a divisive atmosphere in America right now around race relations, and he has a wealth of knowledge and insight to share on these issues,” she said.

Over the past 20 years, Wise has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV programs and has shared his experiences with audiences at more than a thousand college and high school campuses across the nation.

He is also the author of seven books, including his acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race From a Privileged Son, and Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America.

During his discussion, Wise will reflect on President Trump’s election within a historical context and explore ties between Trump’s rhetoric and race relations.

“I hope that students come to the event with open minds and consider how the current political climate is not only affecting our nation but how it’s affecting our campus,” Barber-Pierre said.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 504-865-5181.

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