New York Times best-selling author Tami Charles to speak at annual Jolita Hylland Benson Lecture

New York Times best-selling author Tami Charles will deliver Pacific Lutheran University’s 14th Annual Jolita Hylland Benson Education Lecture on April 15 at 7 p.m. Charles’ lecture will be titled “The Beautiful Mind: A Journey from Thought to Page.” A book signing will follow her lecture.

Charles is the author of the children’s book “All Because You Matter.” Described by her publisher as “a lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere,” the book received wide acclaim, including being named one of Chicago Public Library, New York Public Library, and NPR’s Best Books of 2020.

Charles has authored multiple other children’s, middle-grade, and young adult books. Her poetic writing focuses on themes of Black empowerment, resilience, history, and joy. Charles’ accolades include being spotlighted in the New York Times Book Review, a Buzzfeed Top 40 pick, an Amazon Editor’s Choice, and a feature on CBS Mornings.

“I want to express who we are as people – our complexities and our greatness by telling stories and writing poetry that reflect not just our pain but our joy and everything in between,” Charles said in a 2021 Interview with Essence Magazine. “We are resilient people – we come from kings and queens, builders of kingdoms – I want to show our royalty and excellence in everything that I write.”

During the Jolita Hylland Benson Education Lecture, Charles will dive into the path of a story and how it often begins with a single thought and navigates to a destination of empowerment for both storytellers and readers alike. You can learn more about Charles at her website.

The lecture is free, open to the public, and will include a book signing following the lecture.

7:00-8:00 p.m. | April 15, 2024 | AUC CK Hall Room 214