Community Talk to Discuss Gene Nichol’s “The Faces of Poverty”
Join Gene R. Nichol, the Boyd Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in conversation on his book, The Faces of Poverty in North Carolina: Stories From Our Invisible Citizens.
The Faces of Poverty
tells the stories of hundreds of poor North Carolinians and those working to alleviate their dire circumstances. In large cities and small towns across the state, children — especially children of color — rely on meals at their schools to keep hunger at bay, while parents struggle in jobs that fail to pay living wages. While many in the Tar Heel State enjoy unparalleled prosperity, those born into poverty have lower odds than ever of climbing the ladder of economic upward mobility. The Faces of Poverty gives the poor a voice and challenges us to see what is too often invisible, to look past partisan divides and preconceived notions, and to seek change. Only with a full commitment as a society, Nichol argues, will we succeed in truly ending poverty, which he calls our greatest challenge.
ABOUT THE TALK
‘As a Matter of Fact’ is a virtual conversation with a UNC Press author, a UNC Charlotte faculty member and a community leader about issues impacting our communities. This interactive talk will provide ample opportunity for audience questions and discussion. Attendees must register no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 23. Registrants will receive a link to join the talk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gene R. Nichol is the Boyd Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was president of the College of William & Mary (2005-2008), law dean at the University of Colorado (1988-1995), and dean at UNC from 1999-2005. He is author of Indecent Assembly: The North Carolina Legislature’s Blueprint for the War Against Democracy and Equality (Blair Publishing, 2020); The Faces of Poverty in North Carolina: Stories From Our Invisible Citizens (UNC Press, 2018); and Federal Courts (2015, Marshall & Wells). He’s published articles in the Harvard, Yale, Chicago, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Duke, California, and Virginia law reviews. He’s been a columnist for the Raleigh News & Observer for over 15 years, and writes regularly for The Progressive Populist, the Charlotte Observer and the Durham Herald. For more information about Nichol, visit the UNC Press Author Page.
ABOUT THE UNC CHARLOTTE FACULTY
Byron P. White is Associate Provost for Urban Research and Community Engagement at UNC Charlotte. He formally was vice president and executive director of StrivePartnership, a public-private collaborative focused on cradle-to-career outcomes in urban education. Prior to his work with StrivePartnership, White served as Vice President for University Engagement and as Chief Diversity Officer at Cleveland State University. Formerly, he was Vice Chancellor for Economic Advancement at the Ohio Department of Higher Education and Associate Vice President for Community Engagement at Xavier University following a career at the Chicago Tribune. Learn more about Byron White.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY LEADER
Brian Collier serves as Executive Vice President for Foundation For The Carolinas in Charlotte —the 6th largest community foundation in the United States. Brian oversees the Foundation’s competitive grants programs and affiliate board relationships in 13 counties throughout North and South Carolina. He also oversees the Foundation’s Robinson Center for Civic Leadership and the development of community initiatives including Leading on Opportunity (a nationally recognized, multi-year initiative to identify and implement community strategies addressing upward mobility and economic opportunity). Prior to joining the Foundation, Brian served as VP for Marketing and Development at KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Formerly, Brian served as the Founding President and Executive Director of Victory Junction, and in various executive management roles for Phoenix House. Brian began his career as a trial attorney with Rumberger, Kirk and Caldwell.