Author and Political Commentator David Brooks to Open Library of Virginia and VCU Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative

RICHMOND, Va. -  The Library of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences will host “A Conversation with David Brooks,” the inaugural lecture of the Baldacci Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative, on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m.   

Brooks is a bestselling author, Yale's Jackson School of Global Affairs first presidential senior fellow, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and recurring commentator on PBS NewsHour. The evening will include remarks from Brooks followed by a conversation with Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. 

“We are proud to launch this important initiative alongside David Brooks, a defining voice in our national conversation on civic dialogue and civic discourse,” said Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark. “Partnering with VCU allows us to create a dedicated space for open, honest and respectful intellectual exploration. We are also deeply grateful to Michelle and David Baldacci — their generous support truly makes this essential work possible.”  

"Civil discourse is the foundation of a functioning democracy, and there is no more urgent moment to invest in it than now," said Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., dean of VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences. "David and Michelle Baldacci's extraordinary generosity is giving Virginia the tools to model what respectful, honest dialogue can look like — not just for our students, but for all the citizens of our commonwealth. We are profoundly grateful for their vision and their partnership."  

With decades of experience as an op-ed columnist for the New York Times, Brooks is an insightful observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs whose columns are among the most read in the nation. The author of six books with many bestsellers among them, Brooks seeks to share and encourage intellectual curiosity and emotional wisdom, emphasizing the value of community and the importance of nourishing both the inner self and the social self in our journeys to live fulfilling lives 

Hashmi, a former English professor and longtime public servant, is the first Muslim woman to be elected to statewide office in the nation, as well as the first South Asian American elected to statewide office in Virginia. Prior to becoming lieutenant governor, she served in the Virginia State Senate representing the 15th District.  

Building on the work already underway at the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences and the Library of Virginia, the Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative was established through a $13 million contribution from Michelle and David Baldacci. A groundbreaking nonpartisan initiative, it is designed to advance civil, constructive and respectful dialogue about complex issues, creating new opportunities for learning, understanding and engagement across Virginia. The initiative includes experiential learning, a tailored curriculum, public events and programming spaces. The lecture marks the launch of the College of Humanities and Sciences’ Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse.  

ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA  
The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov. 

ABOUT VCU’S COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES 
Virginia Commonwealth University is a major urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs. The College of Humanities and Sciences, the university's largest academic unit, is home to 15 different departments, three schools, and multiple programs, centers, and institutions spanning the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It also houses the Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse. Learn more at chs.vcu.edu.