A Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates

The John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics is pleased to host a special Danforth Distinguished Lecture featuring award-winning author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Ta-Nehisi Coates holds the Sterling Brown Endowed Chair at Howard University in the English department. His bestselling books include The Water Dancer and 2015 National Book Award winner, Between the World and Me.

Elizabeth Hinton, Yale Professor of History, African American Studies, and Law, will join Coates on stage for this wide-ranging public conversation. Hinton's research focuses on the persistence of poverty, racial inequality, and urban violence in the 20th century United States.

Event Schedule, October 22, 2025:

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Graham Chapel

8:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Reception for all ticketed audience members in Umrath Lounge (Please note Mr. Coates will not be in attendance.)

Doors will open at 6 pm, and we encourage you to arrive early to allow time for walk from parking and bag and ticket checks at the door.

Ticketing: Although this is a free event open to all, seats are limited and tickets will be required to attend the Graham Chapel program and the reception immediately following. Graham Chapel accommodates general admission seating; your ticket does not designate a specific seat. Each order will be limited to four (4) tickets. Please request only the number of tickets you need. If you have questions about the ticket limit, please contact us at cmFwIHwgd3VzdGwgISBlZHU= or (314) 935-9345.

Waitlist: When we have reached capacity for our venue, you will be able to join the waitlist. If more tickets become available, you will be informed via email. You will have to respond to those instructions in order to claim the tickets.

Book Sales:We are pleased to offer books by our speakers for purchase from local, independent bookseller Left Bank Books. Guests are welcome to visit the nearby Center on Religion and Politics office in Umrath Hall 6:00 -7:00 pm to purchase books. There will also be books for sale at the reception. Note: there will not be a formal book-signing as part of this event.

Security: All bags will be subject to search. We will have a contracted partner on-site to ensure security of our guests and speakers. Please consider leaving large bags at your home or office.

More Information: Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.

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