Activist Eric K. Ward Will Open Presidential Colloquium Series

Eric K. Ward—executive director of Western States Center and a nationally recognized expert on hate violence and democracy—will open this year’s Presidential Colloquium series at Smith College with a virtual presentation at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. 

The talk, titled “Authoritarian State or Inclusive Democracy? What We Can Do Right Now,” will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Smith students, faculty, staff and alums are invited to participate via Zoom. Members of the general public will be able to watch the event via livestream on Smith College’s Facebook page. There is no charge to participate.

About Eric K. Ward

A nationally recognized expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence and preserving inclusive democracy, Eric K. Ward brings more than 30 years of leadership in community organizing and philanthropy to his roles as executive director of Western States Center, senior fellow with Southern Poverty Law Center and senior advisor with Race Forward. 

Under Ward’s leadership, Western States Center has become a national hub for innovative responses to white nationalism, antisemitism and structural inequality, providing a path toward a world where everyone can live, love, worship and work free from fear. 

In his civil-rights career, which spans more than three decades, Ward has worked with community groups, government and business leaders, human rights advocates and philanthropic organizations as an organizer, program officer, consultant and board member.

Currently Board Chair for The Proteus Fund, Ward is a Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow and OSI New Executives Fund recipient. A contributor to the Progressive Media Project from 2008 to 2014, Ward is the author of multiple works credited with changing the narrative in important ways, including “Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism.”

Frequently cited by the media and in demand as a speaker, Ward is a regular contributor to Oregon Public Broadcasting’s News Roundtable.

About the Presidential Colloquium Series

Smith College’s Presidential Colloquium regularly features influential thought leaders in a wide range of fields—from poets and writers to economists and policy experts—to share their expertise, offer insights and inspire discourse on key social, political and global topics that call for attention. 

In 2020-21, all colloquium events will be offered virtually. Smith College students, staff, faculty and alums are invited to pre-register to participate via Zoom; the general public is welcome to watch via Facebook. All lectures are free.