Melvin Rogers in conversation with Neil Roberts. Co-hosted with The Philosopher.

African American activists, intellectuals, and artists who have sought to transform the United States into a racially just society have put forward some of the most original and powerful ideas about how to make America live up to its democratic ideals. 

In this conversation with Neil Roberts, political theorist Melvin Rogers discusses his new book, The Darkened Light of Faith, which provides a bold new account of African American political thought through the works and lives of individuals who built this vital tradition—a tradition urgently needed today.

Tickets to this event are free and open to the public. Please consider making a small contribution of $5—or any amount you can donate—when you register to help fund future events like this and the work of Boston Review.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Melvin Rogers is Professor of Political Science and Associate Directory of the Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Brown University. His interests range widely in contemporary democratic theory and the history of American and African American political thought. His public writing has appeared in Boston Review, Dissent, and Public Seminar, among other outlets. His latest book is The Darkened Light of Faith: Race, Democracy, and Freedom in African American Political Thought.

Neil Roberts is John B. McCoy and John T. McCoy Professor of Africana Studies and Faculty Affiliate in Political Science and Religion at Williams College, where he also serves as Associate Dean of the Faculty. His areas of expertise include modern and contemporary political theory, theories of freedom, African American and Caribbean thought, and critical race theory. His books include Freedom as Marronage.