Panel at August Wilson Colloquium

April 2 – 5, 2025

All-Day

University of Pittsburgh

Join the Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab at the 2025 August Wilson Society Colloquium!

📅 April 2-5, 2025
📍 The Hillman Library, University of Pittsburgh

The August Wilson Society proudly presents its 2025 Colloquium: Celebrating 20 Years—a landmark event honoring the indelible legacy of August Wilson. This year’s gathering commemorates Wilson’s 80th birthday and the 20th anniversary of his passing, exploring his influence across literature, culture, and society.

We are excited to announce that our founding director, Allissa V. Richardson, will be a featured speaker at the conference, presenting her thought-provoking proposal:

“August Wilson’s American Century Cycle and Journalism: A Dialogue on Values and Craft”

August Wilson was more than a playwright—he was a documentarian of the African American experience, a cultural historian, and a truth-teller. In this dynamic discussion, Richardson will examine how Wilson’s storytelling techniques, commitment to historical accuracy, and deep engagement with community voices provide invaluable lessons for journalists today.

How does Wilson’s work align with journalism’s core mission of truth-telling and accountability?
What can journalists learn from Wilson’s portrayal of marginalized voices and historical narratives?
How can Wilson’s craft inspire ethical storytelling in modern media?

As an esteemed scholar in journalism and media studies, Richardson’s presentation will bridge literature and journalism, demonstrating how Wilson’s plays offer a model for journalists striving to capture the essence of human experience with integrity and authenticity.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to engage with the legacy of August Wilson through a fresh, interdisciplinary lens.