The Walter N. Ridley Distinguished Annual Lecture featuring Bettina L. Love

We Gon’ Be Alright, But That Ain’t Alright: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

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  • - EST
  • Alumni Hall
Headshot of Bettina Love

Dr. Love’s talk will discuss the struggles and the possibilities of committing ourselves to an abolitionist goal of educational freedom, as opposed to reform, and moving beyond what she calls the educational survival complex. Abolitionist Teaching is built on the creativity, imagination, boldness, ingenuity, and rebellious spirit and methods of abolitionists to demand and fight for an educational system where all students are thriving, not simply surviving. 

After the Ridley Lecture, there will be a reception and book signing event with Dr Love at Alumni Hall, from 5:00 – 6:00 PM 

About the speaker: Bettina L. Love is an award-winning author and the William F. Russell Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her writing, research, teaching, and educational advocacy work meet at the intersection of disrupting education reform and strengthening public education through abolitionist teaching, Black joy, and anti-racism. Read more about Professor Love's work here.

About this lecture series: Walter Ridley was the first African American to graduate from the University of Virginia, with a doctorate in education from the School of Education and Human Development. This annual lecture has been created to honor his legacy at the University and his contributions to the field of education.

Event Information

Event Sponsor

  • Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion