Dr. Henry Louis Gates @ Central

St. Louis, MO . . . The St. Louis Public Library and Left Bank Books are proud to present distinguished Harvard University professor Dr. Henry Louis Gates as he delivers the keynote address for the Library’s celebration of Black History Month 2008. The event takes place at Central Library, 1301 Olive Street, on Sunday, February 10, at 2 p.m. No tickets required. The program is FREE with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. A booksigning follows the event with books available for purchase courtesy of Left Bank Books.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is considered one of the most powerful academic voices in America. A charismatic educator, he is recognized for his extensive research of African-American history and literature as well as for developing and expanding the African-American study program at Harvard.

The first African American to earn a Ph.D. at Cambridge University in England, Dr. Gates has dedicated his career to bringing African-American culture to the public. He has written and produced some of the most comprehensive African-American reference materials. “In order to appreciate the contribution of African Americans, one must understand the indigenous culture of which achievements arose. ‘Culture’ is always a conversation among different voices,” wrote Dr. Gates.

An ardent defender of diversity, Dr. Gates was responsible for recruiting great intellectuals like Cornel West and Evelyn Brooks Higginbothan to Harvard. In defending his staff selections, Dr. Gates noted, “This is all about redefining the very meaning of America. Anglo-American regional culture is simply not universal. We are helping to create a new cultural consciousness, one that’s pluralistic diverse.”

Dr. Henry Louis Gates is the dean of the African and African-American Studies departments at Harvard University. He is dedicated to furthering the influence of not only African-American culture, but of all cultures in America, thereby ensuring that our nation reaps all the benefits of being a truly multicultural society.

Support for this year’s Black History Month programming is provided by CW-11 KPLR-TV.

Dr. Gates’ appearance is co-sponsored by Left Bank Books.

For details about the Library’s celebration of Black History Month 2008, call 314-539-0365.

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1/31/2008