[HOUSTON, TX. March 1, 2026] – Harris County Public Library is hosting bestselling author, historian, and activist Ibram X. Kendi to celebrate the publication of his latest book Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age. The event will be held at the Yellowstone School auditorium on Friday, March 27, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m (doors open at 6:00 p.m.). This event is part of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas’ “Democracy Speaker Series.” Oni Blair of the ACLU of Texas will serve as moderator.
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is one of the world’s foremost historians and leading antiracist scholars. His books have been translated into multiple languages and republished throughout the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Kendi is the inaugural Carter G. Woodson Endowed Chair in History and the founding director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study, an interdisciplinary research enterprise examining global racism. He is author of many highly acclaimed bestsellers including Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction. He is the author of the international bestseller How to Be an Antiracist. Time magazine named Dr. Kendi one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, popularly known as the Genius Grant.
This is a free event. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Register Now: An Evening with Ibram X. Kendi
About the Event
What does history reveal about the rise of authoritarianism — and what can communities do to protect democracy today?
Join Harris County Public Library, in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, for An Evening with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, presented as part of the ACLU of Texas’ Democracy Speaker Series.
Award-winning historian and bestselling author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi will discuss his forthcoming book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age, in conversation with Oni K. Blair, Executive Director of the ACLU of Texas. Together, they will explore the historical roots of authoritarianism, the ideas that shape civic life, and the role communities play in sustaining democratic participation.
The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A. Complimentary pre-signed books will be distributed to attendees upon arrival while supplies last.
Each registered attendee will receive one complimentary copy of Chain of Ideas while supplies last, made possible through the generous support of the ACLU of Texas. Additional books will be available for purchase onsite through Kindred Stories before and after the program. Books signed by the author will be distributed at the registration desk prior to the event.
The event's moderator, Oni Blair, is the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. As the leader of this statewide, nonpartisan organization, she directs the organization’s efforts to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for every Texan
This event is presented by Harris County Public Library in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. Kindred Stories and Yellowstone Schools.