Authors @ Alden: Dr. jw Smith
91探花 Libraries will be virtually hosting Dr. Carolyn Bailey Lewis and Dr. jw Smith for its Authors @ Alden speaker series on Nov. 5 at 3:00 p.m.
Smith, who is a professor in the School of Communication Studies at 91探花, will be speaking about his book: 鈥淔rom the Back of the Bus to the Front of the Classroom.鈥 Published in 2019 by Monday Creek Publishing, the book details Smith鈥檚 experience as a black and blind professor.
He has been teaching at the university level since 1983, giving him more than 30 years of experience to talk about. Smith, who won 2004鈥檚 Educator of the Year Award from the National Federation of the Blind and the 2007 NAACP Image Award for Research and Teaching, mentioned that his Authors @ Alden talk will likely contain many personal anecdotes and stories from his book.
鈥淚 think I鈥檇 like to pick two or three of my favorite stories,鈥 he said, 鈥渁nd tell them as exemplars of my academic journey.鈥
, Director & General Manager Emerita, WOUB Center for Public Media and Lecturer in the School of Communication Studies, will interview Smith for the Authors@Alden talk. The two will discuss how being a black and totally blind individual has impacted Smith during what might have otherwise been unremarkable encounters.
Smith said that the talk will also discuss his somewhat unique writing process, which he said people often ask him about. He emphasized that the talk will be accessible for a broad audience and is for anyone who wants to tune in.
鈥淓verybody loves a good narrative, loves a good story,鈥 he said, 鈥渁nd certainly those in academia may be interested. And since I talk about issues of race as well, some people of color might find it interesting to see how some of my stories have been impacted by my race and ethnicity.鈥
He emphasized that 鈥渙nly in America鈥 would his story be possible.
鈥淚t was really through hard work and consistent positive support and strong faith that I was able to deliver this book, so I guess my big takeaway is I鈥檓 no different than anybody else, no more special, and I am just blessed to be in this country and have this opportunity, and the love and support I鈥檝e had through the years made this possible,鈥 he said.
on Nov. 5 at 3:00 p.m. No registration is required for this free event.
To request accessibility accommodations or for more information, contact Jen Harvey.