On Thursday, September 26th, Lincoln University will come alive with an incredible opportunity as Robert Samuels, the 2023 Pulitzer Prize Winner in Non-Fiction and Co-Author of “His Name Is George Floyd,” will be sharing his insights and experiences. Sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about impactful storytelling and social justice.
Robert Samuels isn’t just a name in journalism. As a national enterprise reporter for The Washington Post, he dives deep into politics, policy, and the changing of American identity.
As an alumnus of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Samuels sharpened his craft early on as the editor-in-chief of the Daily Northwestern. His journey from the Bronx to the newsrooms of The Miami Herald and The New Yorker showcases his dedication to telling stories that matter.
His latest work, “His Name Is George Floyd,” co-authored with Toluse Olorunnipa, is more than just a book but a powerful exploration of George Floyd’s life and the systemic racism that shaped his experiences. Through interviews and thorough research, Samuels and Olorunnipa provide a heartbreaking yet necessary look at how Floyd’s life and tragic death became a national awakening.
The book has received widespread attention, with The New York Times calling it “a testament to the power of “His Name is George Floyd” and describing it as “the book’s most vital moments come not after Floyd’s death, but in its intimate, unvarnished and scrupulous account of his life . . . Impressive.“
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., author of “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song,” described it as “a much-needed portrait of the life, times, and martyrdom of George Floyd, a chronicle of the racial awakening sparked by his brutal and untimely death, and an essential work of history I hope everyone will read.”
Samuels’ work has earned him numerous honors and awards, including the 2023 Dayton Literary Peace Prize and the 2022 Honor Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. His contributions to journalism continue to shape conversations around race and justice in America.
Lincoln University shared the announcement of this event on its official website and Instagram, creating a buzz on campus. The ICC Auditorium at Lincoln University will host it from 12:30 to 1:45 PM. This is a rare chance to engage with a journalist who not only reports on history but also actively shapes the way we understand it. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or community member, hearing Robert Samuels speak is an experience you won’t want to miss.
