I Just Keep Talking- Nell Painter in Conversation with Salamishah Tillet

I Just Keep Talking—A Life in Essays

Dr. Nell Painter in conversation with Dr. Salamishah Tillet

Book Talk Event

Join us for an engaging book talk event featuring Dr. Nell Irvin Painter, author of ‘I Just Keep Talking,’ as she discusses the intricate intersections of art, politics, and racism in American history with Dr. Salamishah Tillet

Wednesday April 17, 2024 at 6pm

Newark Public Library. 5 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102

James Brown African American Room, 2nd Fl.

Reception begins at 5:30pm

There will be free parking for this event at the Essex County Parking Deck, the entrance is located at 20 Bridge St. Newark, NJ 07102

About the Book

Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of American history, race, and identity with Nell Painter’s latest book, “I Just Keep Talking.” From her acclaimed works like “The History of White People” to “Old in Art School,” Painter’s essays offer a comprehensive view of Black political thought and the complexities of American society.

Through captivating narratives and insightful analysis, Painter challenges conventional narratives and invites readers to reconsider entrenched ideas about race and politics. With exclusive introductory and concluding sections, this collection showcases decades of Painter’s scholarship, shedding light on contemporary issues and the enduring legacy of racism in America.

From the lives of historical luminaries to contemporary political landscapes, “I Just Keep Talking” is a compelling testament to the power of storytelling and the pursuit of knowledge. Join Painter on a journey through the intricate tapestry of American history, where each essay offers a fresh perspective on the trials and triumphs of a nation in flux.

Meet the speakers

Dr. Nell Irvin Painter

Scholar, writer, and artist

NELL IRVIN PAINTER, Edwards Professor of American History, Emerita at Princeton University, is a renowned author celebrated for her insightful works such as the New York Times bestseller “The History of White People” and the National Book Critics Circle Award finalist “Old in Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over.” A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and recipient of honorary degrees from prestigious institutions like Yale and Dartmouth, Painter holds a PhD in history from Harvard and has pursued degrees in painting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers and the Rhode Island School of Design. Based in East Orange, New Jersey, Painter has participated in artist residencies at esteemed locations like MacDowell and Yaddo, and currently serves as Madam Chairman of MacDowell.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Painter

Check out Dr. Painter's books at The Newark Public Library!

Click here to learn more about all of Dr. Painter’s books on her website

Dr. Salamishah Tillet

Scholar, writer, and activist

SALAMISHAH TILLET, honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2022, is a prominent critic at large for The New York Times since 2015. Notable works include “In Search of the Color Purple” (Abrams, 2021) and “Sites of Slavery” (Duke University Press, 2012). Tillet co-hosted and co-produced the acclaimed podcast “Because of Anita” and was awarded the 2020 Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction fellowship. Currently serving as the Henry Rutgers Professor at Rutgers University – Newark, Tillet’s leadership extends to Express Newark, a center for socially engaged art and design, which she heads. Additionally, she founded New Arts Justice, pioneering feminist approaches to public art in Newark. Alongside her sister, Scheherazade Tillet, Tillet established A Long Walk Home, dedicated to ending violence against girls and women. Tillet’s academic journey includes degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, and Harvard University.

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