The DeLaney Center Presents DeLaney Dialogues The new series, which launches Feb. 27, will focus on Southern race relations, culture and politics.

By Emily Innes
February 21, 2023

The DeLaney Center at Washington and Lee University presents DeLaney Dialogues, a new series of curated exchanges about Southern race relations, culture and politics. Each session in the series will engage the audience in a conversation about a regionally resonant theme, allowing for open dialogue and opportunities for learning.

“Exhibiting innovative strategies for teaching and researching Southern racial realities, these programs allow faculty, students and other interested participants to imagine how this changing region fits into broader professional and public possibilities,” said Michael Hill, professor of Africana studies and director of the DeLaney Center.

The first two sessions in the DeLaney Dialogues series will take place on Feb. 27 and March 1. Both events are free and open to the public.

The first session will take place on Feb. 27 at 12 p.m. in Leyburn Library, room 119. Rose Hein, DeLaney Center postbaccalaureate fellow, will present a talk on student engagement with W&L’s legacy of enslavement. Lunch will be provided.

The second session will take place on March 1 at 3 p.m. at Hillel House, room 101. Terrence Johnson, professor of African American religious studies at Harvard Divinity School, will discuss southern-ness and his own intellectual projects. Refreshments will be provided. Johnson’s visit is co-sponsored by the Under-Represented Religious, Cultural, and Spiritual Identities Employee Resource Group, the Black/African American/African Employee Resource Group, the Mudd Center for Ethics, Museums at W&L, the Office of Community-Based Learning, and W&L’s History, Sociology and Anthropology, and Religion departments.

The DeLaney Center is an interdisciplinary academic forum that promotes teaching and research on race and Southern identity. Visit the DeLaney Center website at my.wlu.edu/delaney-center for updates on further DeLaney Dialogues, film screenings and other programming.