The MLK Library will host an author talk with award winning journalist Wesley Lowery on his new book American. Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress.

Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery will discuss his new book “American Whitelash: A Changing Nation and the Cost of Progress” with Eugene Scott, a senior political reporter at Axios.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Lowery will delve into the disturbing rise of racial violence in the aftermath of President Obama’s election, unveiling a chilling narrative that confronts the white supremacist movement’s attempts to fracture and incite division among Black Americans. By placing these events within a historical context, Lowery poses a pivotal question: how can we navigate the tension between the cherished values of free speech and the imperative pursuit of equality when some manipulate the former to undermine the latter?

Drawing on his extensive experience, Lowery brings a unique perspective to this dialogue. Recognized with Pulitzer Prize and the George Polk Award, his groundbreaking investigations into the connections between law enforcement, justice, politics, and policy have shed light on crucial societal issues.

Guiding this exchange is Eugene Scott, a senior political reporter at Axios known for his analysis of congressional leadership and identity politics. With a deep understanding of the complexities of race in politics, Scott has explored the presence of white identity within the Trump administration and examined the notion of a post-racial society following the Obama administration.