2023 Philip Roth Lecture with Dr. John Wesley Johnson, Jr.
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Newark Public Library
James Brown African American Room, 2nd Fl.
Doors open: 5:00 PM
The Newark Public Library cordially invites you to join us for The 2023 Philip Roth Lecture: History, Memory, and the Weequahic Section of Newark by Dr. John Wesley Johnson, Jr.
Dr. John Wesley Johnson, Jr., is an assistant professor of history at Saint Peter’s University. Johnson earned his master’s in history and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Rutgers University-Newark. Before joining Saint Peter’s, Johnson was a fellow at the Clement A. Price Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, where he helped developed and coordinate a number of public history projects. He served as the Executive Director of Newark Celebration 350, a yearlong commemorative celebration of the people, history, and culture in the city of Newark.
His research centers on race, class, culture and 20th century United States urban geography. Dr. Johnson Jr. is presently writing a book-length manuscript on the long history of the storied Weequahic Section of Newark. His article, In the Way of Progress: How a Federal Highway and Political Fragmentation Bighted Neighborhoods in the Weequahic Section of Newark was published in the Summer 2023 New Jersey Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal. View the article here.
Click here for Dr. Johnson’s full bio.
The event is free and open to the public. ALL GUESTS MUST REGISTER BELOW.
For more information call 973.733.7744
ADD A DONATION TO YOUR REGISTRATION (OPTIONAL)
The Philip Roth Personal Library at the Newark Public Library is now open. Home to Roth's personal collection, the Library is a dynamic space for visitors to experience exhibits, discussions and workshops that emulate Roth’s thought-provoking and sometimes controversial perspective. Philip Roth often recounted how the Newark Library positively impacted his life, and we are honored to be the beneficiary of his generous bequest. Your support is especially meaningful in helping us to preserve and advance Roth’s profound legacy as one of America’s greatest fiction writers. Please donate today to help keep Philip Roth’s Newark story alive.
Free parking will be available at the Essex County Parking Deck located at
20 Bridge St. Newark, NJ 07102.
