Lewis-Ezekoye

The Lewis-Ezekoye Distinguished Lectureship Series in Africana Studies is an annual lecture with a focus on interdisciplinary subjects that are at the heart of African diasporic and African scholarship, artistic creation, community-centered commitments, and social engagement. This lectureship series is named for the sustained, collaborative friendship formed by two Barnard alumnae—Denise Lewis (Class of ’66) and Adaeze Otue Ezekoye (Class of ’66).

The series takes its place among a handful of distinguished lectureship series in Africana Studies around the country thanks to an endowment by Ms. Denise Lewis '66. This series honors what she has described as transformative experiences at Barnard and the enduring and unexpected gift of friendship that began when she and Ms. Adaeze Otue Ezekoye met at Barnard College as first-year students. 

The series reflects the spirit of this gift with lectures and related events by innovative and inspiring scholars, artists, activists, and visionary thinkers who address key issues in African Diaspora Studies. Past speakers include Ntozake Shange (Class of ’70), Jaki Shelton Green, Alexis Gumbs, Ruha Benjamin, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Nnedi Okorafor, Marilyn Nance, Oluremu Onabanjo, and Edwidge Danticat 

This annual lecture is open to the public, and it draws attendees from Barnard College, Columbia University, various communities throughout New York City, and especially our surrounding neighborhoods. We welcome visitors from near and far!