Eric H. Holder Jr. to give 2019 Delivering Democracy Lecture

The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University welcomes Eric H. Holder Jr. at its annual Delivering Democracy Lecture on Saturday, April 6, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in downtown Phoenix.

The center's Delivering Democracy Lecture is a platform for visionary individuals to discuss key challenges that surround the issues of race and democracy. A facilitated dialogue led by new Center for the Study of Race and Democracy Director and ASU Foundation Professor of English Lois Brown will follow the lecture.

“The decision to invite Eric Holder is really rooted in the work that he’s been doing with the National Democratic Redistricting Committee,” said Brown, whose research revolves around reshaping the understanding of race, class, gender, faith and place in America. “There’s no way to think about race and democracy without thinking about the connection between race and voting rights.”

Holder, a Columbia-educated attorney, served as the first African American attorney general of the United States from 2009–2015. He currently serves as the chairman for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which aims to create fair redistricting that reflects the will of the voters. Holder has also been an advocate for public policy and civil rights issues, taking a stand on same-sex marriage and voting rights.

Brown believes that Holder can provide a different perspective on the role race plays in democracy.

“Since leaving office, he has dedicated himself to really thinking about the connection between race and voting rights,” she said. “We want a chance to think with him about the real pathways towards democracy and how race informs that journey.”

Holder is scheduled to speak at 4:30 p.m. following a community resource fair featuring local organizations and a mini-concert by the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church choir. For registration and parking information visit csrd.asu.edu/DeliveringDemocracy.

Contact Kelley Karnes at Kelley.Karnes@asu.edu or 602-791-8278 for more information.