NIH ‘Big Read’ To Feature Author Kendi

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, the Andrew W. Mellon professor in the humanities and founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, will be the featured author and speaker for the NIH Big Read 2022, an annual event that invites the NIH community to read and discuss a timely book.

The book is Kendi’s 2019 New York Times #1 Best Seller, How to Be an Antiracist, in which the author asks people to engage in anti-racist actions towards equitable systemic changes. The event will build upon recent diversity, equity and inclusion-focused town halls and listening sessions.

NIH Big Read 2022 will feature community book discussions throughout September and will culminate with an exclusive videocast event—Kendi in conversation with NIMHD director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable—on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET at https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=45979. 

Unlimited free access to the eBook and the audiobook is available to NIH staff from the NIH Library’s OverDrive platform and Libby app now through Tuesday, Oct. 10. The book is also available to purchase at the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences book store in Bldg. 10. 

For details on obtaining the book and about the discussions, see https://www.nihlibrary.nih.gov/events/bigread22 (NIH only).    

For more information or to submit questions for the conversation between Kendi and Pérez-Stable, email NIHBigRead@mail.nih.gov by Sept. 21.

Individuals who need interpreting services or other reasonable accommodation to participate should contact the NIH Library at NIHBigRead@mail.nih.gov, 301-496-1080, at least 5 business days in advance.

The 2022 NIH Big Read is sponsored by the NIH Library, FAES, the Office of the Director, UNITE and NIMHD.