Freedom Dreaming in Dark Times

Getting to Know Our 2026 Annual Lecturer: Robin D. G. Kelley

This spring, we are honored to welcome Robin D. G. Kelley, a leading historian of social movements, cultural politics, and the Black radical imagination, for our annual public lecture. Kelley’s work explores how communities have struggled for freedom, how protest movements take shape, and how imagining new futures is itself a powerful form of resistance.

His scholarship connects history to the present moment, offering tools to better understand protest, democracy, and the possibilities of social change—making his work especially relevant today.

Where to Start: A Short Reading & Viewing List

If you’re interested in becoming familiar with Kelley’s ideas ahead of the lecture, here are a few accessible starting points:

• Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination— An influential book exploring how visions of liberation have shaped movements for justice.

• Boston Review essay on the Minneapolis protests and the struggle for justice — A timely reflection connecting history to contemporary events.

• Selected interviews and talks (available online) in which Kelley discusses activism, history, and the role of imagination in social change.

  • Talks at the Schomburg: Freedom Dreams Revisited with Robin D.G. Kelley

  • New World Coming: Racial Capitalism with Robin D. G. Kelley

  • Robin D.G. Kelley: A History of Black Radicalism

  • Radical Social Movements As Love Letters: An Interview with Robin D.G. Kelley

Join the Conversation Series

In the weeks leading up to the lecture, we will also host small-group conversations to reflect on Kelley’s work and the themes of this year’s program. These gatherings are open to all—no prior reading required.

• 2/18: Discussing Robin D.G. Kelley’s Essay on Renee Good’s Murder |register

• 3/26: Discussing Robin D.G. Kelley’s “From the River to the Sea to Every Mountain Top:  Solidarity as World-making” register

• 4/15: Discussing Robin D.G. Kelley’s essay “Black Study, Black Struggle.” | register

Save the Date | register
Our Annual Public Lecture featuring Robin D. G. Kelley will take place on May 13, 2026. More details will be shared soon.

We hope you’ll join us as we think together about history, justice, and the power of imagining better futures.