Speakers News: Jan 08

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THE ENVIRONMENT

Will Our Consumption Lead to Our Collapse?

Jared Diamond on rising consumption patterns in developed and developing countries

In the New York Times this month, Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel, wrote a sweeping essay on consumption levels—in both the First and the Third World—and its ties to climate change, terrorism, and the unprecedented squeeze it's putting on the planet's resources. As consumption levels rise in Third World countries, and as First World countries continue to consume at an unsustainable rate (32 times that of the Third World), how do we move forward? Read Dr. Diamond's thoughts below.

Read "What's Your Consumption Factor?"
Information on Lectures by Jared Diamond

RACE IN AMERICA

Receive a Copy of Randall Kennedy's Sellout

The bestselling author of Nigger returns with a bracing look at racial betrayal

Barack Obama is just the latest prominent African American to be charged with selling out. A loaded term, "sellout" is applied by blacks to other blacks who have found approval and success in the white world, usually by "acting white." In his new book, Sellout, Randall Kennedy examines the consequences of living with race anxiety and offers sound solutions to overcome the feelings of fear, anger and mistrust that often surround talk of so-called race traitors. What is the history behind feelings of racial betrayal in America, and why are they still so strong today?

To receive a copy of Sellout, just tell us what University Randall Kennedy currently teaches at (first three correct respondents win.) info@thelavinagency.com

Information on Lectures by Randall Kennedy

Chris Abani LAVIN AT NACA

See Chris Abani at the NACA National Conference

The groundbreaking novelist is among a select group of speakers this year

In three weeks, in St. Louis, the National Association of Campus Activities will hold its massive national convention. Chris Abani, one of the most exciting writers to emerge from Africa in a generation, will deliver a keynote on February 18th. Come say hello to him at The Lavin Agency booth after his speech. Abani has been called "a force of nature" by Junot Diaz, and "one of the most courageous writers working today" by Dave Eggers.

Watch Chris Abani's Much-Heralded Speech from TED

IN THIS ISSUE:
Jared Diamond on Consumption
Randall Kennedy's Sellout
Chris Abani at NACA
Global Warming and Health
Eyes on the Prize on PBS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A New Generation Keeps Its Eyes on the Prize

PBS set to re-air the defining Civil Rights documentary series

Long unavailable for various reasons, Eyes on the Prize will be rebroadcast next month on PBS (check pbs.org for times). In her talks, the film's educational director, Judy Richardson, shares the spirit of those Americans, black and white, who fought for racial equality during the Civil Rights era—people who risked everything to win the "prize" of justice, self-respect and fair treatment. An authentic, tenacious, compassionate, and hopeful speaker, she contributes immeasurably to our contemporary understanding of race relations. Richardson is a gateway to our rich past, but also a vibrant voice for the future it made possible.

Information on Lectures by Judy Richardson

Laurie Garrett

CLIMATE CHANGE

A Pulitzer Prize Winner on Global Warming and Global Health

Laurie Garrett points to where our collective efforts—activism, money, policy—need to go, and how urgently they need to get there

In the wake of global warming, our health community is currently focusing, to a large extent, on how the changing climate affects the movements of insects that carry diseases, such as malaria; these threats are a serious matter. Laurie Garrett insists, however, that we must also look at the other consequences of climate change that are wrecking havoc on human health. Flooding, famine, drought, and traumas suffered in catastrophic weather events are injuring, sickening and killing thousands. With progress on climate change moving slowly, she implores us to turn our attention toward preparedness.

Information on Lectures by Laurie Garrett

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