"Songs in the Key of Human Rights: Why Stevie Wonder Matters" with Dr. Kevin K. Gaines

Please join us for the 2019 Tracy W. and Katherine W. McGregor Distinguished Lecture in American History, "Songs in the Key of Human Rights: Why Stevie Wonder Matters" with Kevin K. Gaines. Dr. Gaines will discuss Wonder's storied career as a global superstar of American popular music, with an appreciation of his advocacy for civil and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. He will also address Wonder's influence in promoting the rights of disabled people, reflecting the expansive vision of late twentieth century movements for social change. Light refreshments will be provided afterwards.

Dr. Gaines is the inaugural Julian Bond Professor of Civil Rights and Social Justice, with appointments in the Corcoran Department of History and the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies.

Detroit philanthropist Tracy W. McGregor was initally attracted to book collecting through his love of English literature. Although early American history eventually took precedence, McGregor collected English literature assiduously, acquiring many rare first editions and manuscripts. Among the 12,500 volumes comprising the McGregor Fund's magnificent 1938 gift to the University of Virginia Library were some 7,500 volumes of English literature. Most were placed in the Alderman Library stacks, where they have served several generations of UVA students. The 1,000 volumes of English literature placed in Special Collections include fine copies of the Shakespeare Second and Fourth Folios and the second quarto edition of King Lear -- all displayed in the curent exhibition, "Shakespeare by the Book."

The Library is deeply grateful for the McGregor Fund's decades of philanthropic support and interest in our collections, our spaces, and the dissemination of knowledge contained in the Tracy W. McGregor Library.

Event is free and open to the public.  Space is limited.  Registration is required - register here.