New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



Distinguished Lecturer Series - Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Thursday, October 27, 2022 @ 7:30pm



Shea Center for Performing Arts
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Based on his latest book Unequal: A Story of America, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson examines how racial inequality permeates every facet of American society, through the lens of those pushing for meaningful change. The true story of racial inequality—and resistance to it—is the prologue to our present. Unequal presents a gripping account of the struggles that shaped America and the insidiousness of racism, and demonstrates how inequality persists today. The program highlights African American people who dared to fight for a more equal future and hopes to provide audience members with a framework for addressing racial injustice in their own lives. 

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is one of the nation’s most renowned professors, gifted writers, inspiring preachers, knowledgeable lecturers and riveting media personalities. As a professor who earned a PhD in Religion from Princeton University, Dyson has taught at some the nation’s most distinguished universities, including Brown, UNC Chapel Hill, Columbia, DePaul, the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University. He is currently the Distinguished University Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, and Centennial Professor at Vanderbilt University.

As a writer of more than 20 books, he is credited with two New York Times bestsellers The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America and Tears We Cannot Stop; A Sermon to White America, as well as Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America heralded as Amazon’s Bestselling Book for 2020.

Dyson has lectured across the country and around the world. He has also served for the last 30 years as a media commentator and host from NPR’s Morning Edition, The Takeaway, and Fresh Air with Terry Gross, to television’s Meet the Press, Face the Nation, Today Show, Good Morning America, and Real Time with Bill Maher, and as a political analyst on MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News.

The lecture is preceded by a book signing. Unequal: A Story of America will be available on site for purchase.

Reserved Seating: Public $25 • WP Faculty and Staff $5

WP Students one free ticket with ID at Box Office on day of show.

WP Alumni and Seniors 10% Discount


All tickets are an additional $5 on day of show.




For information on how your event can be listed, click here



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info

UPCOMING EVENTS




 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) presents the East Coast premiere of Destroying David at the DMK Theater at Union Arts Center from October 9-18 and at the Sieminski Theater from October 23-25, 2026. Destroying David is a thrilling, witty and heartfelt solo show about the power of art to help us through our darkest hours. The play is written and performed by Emmy Award-nominee Jason Odell Williams. ATG's new Producing Artistic Director Charlotte Cohn will direct.



The

The 2026 Dodge Poetry Festival to Take Place October 15-17

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (Dodge Foundation) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announced that Dodge Poetry, North America's largest poetry festival, will return to Newark October 15-17, 2026.



There

There will be a Def Poetry Reunion at Dodge Poetry Festival on October 17th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the highly anticipated Def Poetry Reunion, taking place exclusively at NJPAC during the renowned Dodge Poetry Festival. The festival will run from October 15-17, 2026, with the Def Jam Poetry Reunion scheduled for Saturday, October 17th at 5:00pm, promising an unforgettable evening for poetry fans and local communities.



Rock

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith comes to NJPAC for a Night of Songs and Stories on October 16th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) proudly welcomes legendary poet, musician, author and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Patti Smith for a special performance during the Dodge Poetry Festival on Friday, October 16, 2026. Returning to her home state of New Jersey, Smith brings together poetry, music and storytelling in a performance by one of the most influential creative voices of the past half-century.



NJPAC

NJPAC presents Comedian Darren Fleet on October 23rd

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a night of comedy with acclaimed comedian Darren Fleet on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. Audiences are invited to experience the unique brand of humor that has made Fleet one of the most talked-about comedians on today's entertainment scene.












LATEST COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Soaked" from Kiaura Rose's debut seven-song debut album, "Vagrant."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026

"I am great! I was in California last weekend and just got back, I have the day off and I'm getting to chat with you so everything is great," says Monster Jam monster truck driver Angelina Nock as she let us in on the profession, her background and what we can expect when she gets behind the wheel of Megalodon at Newark's Prudential Center August 14 through 16.




This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas






UPCOMING EVENTS