Nationally known anti-racist writer and commentator Tim Wise is coming to the UO to discuss racism and community solutions Thursday, Oct. 15.

Wise will speak at 7:30 p.m. in Room 156, Straub Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Utne Reader named Wise one of “25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World.” He is a white male whose commentary on racism, white privilege and society have made him a sought-after speaker and expert analyst.

In his campus appearance, Wise will discuss the pitfalls of “colorblindness” and universal solutions to the very complex issues facing communities.

Wise is the author of six books, including “White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son” and “Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority.” His latest book is “Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Jeopardizing the Future of America.”

An in-demand speaker, Wise has appeared in all 50 states and more than 800 colleges and high schools as well as before numerous community groups. He received the 2001 British Diversity Award for best feature essay on race issues, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular, professional and scholarly journals.

Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has conducted trainings with physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions.

Wise has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, is a regular contributor to discussions about race on CNN and has been featured on ABC’s 20/20. He graduated from Tulane University in 1990 and received anti-racism training from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond in New Orleans.

The event is sponsored by the UO, city of Eugene, Lane County and the Eugene Water and Electric Board.