UB Distinguished Speakers Series: Heather McGee

We’re proud to bring world-renowned speakers to UB for the annual Distinguished Speakers Series. As we open our doors to the community, we hope you’ll join us for thought-provoking discussions and inspirational stories.

Heather McGee: New York Times Bestselling Author of  “The Sum of Us”

What if, in the middle of your live TV appearance, someone asked for advice on overcoming racial prejudice? For Heather McGhee, the response was natural: she helped. The viral exchange, now viewed over 10 million times, also inspired her to kick off a cross-country journey throughout America, where she explored what we lose when we buy into the “zero-sum” paradigm the idea that progress for some, comes at the expense of others. Her deeply personal experiences come together in “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.” An analysis of how we arrived at this divided nation, “The Sum of Us” illuminates how racism is at the root of some of our most vexing public problems, from collapsing infrastructure to rising student debt. But at the heart of the book are humble stories of people yearning to be a part of a better America, including white supremacy’s collateral victims: white people themselves. Hailed as “illuminating and hopeful,” the critically acclaimed book spent ten weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award and the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. McGhee adapted the book into a Spotify podcast series, produced by Michelle and Barack Obama’s production company.