BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Dr. Paula C. Austin of Boston University will be the first lecturer in the newly-established Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series when programming commences virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 10.
 
Dr. Austin is a U.S. historian with a focus on African American history, the history of race and racism, visual culture, urban, education, and women’s history, the history of social science, and the history of childhood. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies in addition to her role as the Director of Graduate Studies at Boston University. Her book, Coming of Age in Jim Crow DC: Navigating the Politics of Everyday Life, published in 2019, is a social and intellectual history of poor and working-class young black people in early twentieth century, racially segregated Washington.
 
Programming for the Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series has been developed to provide foundational learning and education on the topic of Anti-Racism. Through discussions within the League’s Anti-Racism Commission, Dr. Austin was chosen to lead the first session based on her expertise and ability to provide a historical perspective to set a foundation for all future sessions. 
 
Her session, open to Patriot League students and staff, will feature a 40-minute presentation on the impact of structural racism in the United States and the development of racial hierarchies through American history. Dr. Austin will conclude the session with a 20-minute question and answer opportunity.    
 
Dr. Paula C. Austin, Boston University – Wednesday, Feb. 10 (7 p.m.)
Understanding Racial Regimes in United States History
Description: Despite the evolution of our scientific knowledge about “race,” structural racism continues to harm and to be reified in the United States. This session traces the development of racial hierarchies from the colonial period through the 20th century. How, why, and when were racist ideologies, racist “science,” and racially discriminatory policies and practices deployed and ultimately embedded into our foundational institutions? By looking at key moments in history, we examine relations of power and the ways in which ideas were in formation, were mobilized, and/or used to reinforce racial hierarchies based in white supremacy.  
 
ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE ANTI-RACISM SPEAKER SERIES
The Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series is a primary initiative of the League’s Anti-Racism Commission and a component of the group’s promise to create an open dialogue among the membership as it pursues Anti-Racist practices while examining areas in which systemic racism is perpetuated and to seek actionable solutions for long-term sustainable change within the League.
 

ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE
The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athletes can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes that are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education