Update: Coates will speak at Willamette University on Feb. 1, 2017. For more information, learn about Atkinson Lectures.
Citing personal health concerns, author Ta-Nehisi Coates canceled his lecture scheduled at Willamette University on Jan. 20, 2016.
While working with Coates to reschedule his visit during the 2016-17 academic year, the university will consider alternative speakers for the spring semester’s Atkinson Lecture and Willamette's annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in January.
“Several faculty members use Ta-Nehisi Coates’ work as part of our curriculum,” said Seth Cotlar, a history professor at Willamette. “His is a very important voice in our national conversation about racial justice. While we are disappointed that he will not be able to speak in January, we hope that our community will have another opportunity soon to hear from him.”