Matthew Desmond, nationally-renowned author and affordable housing advocate, to speak at University of Richmond Feb. 1

The keynote event for University of Richmond’s One Book, One Richmond 2016-17 program, which engages the campus and greater community on important social issues, will feature “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” author Matthew Desmond on Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. This event is this year’s Edward C. and Mary S. Peple Library Lecture. It is free and open to the public, but seating is first come, first served. 

Desmond, whose book is a New York Times bestseller, will visit campus and speak about “Evicted” and the effects of high housing costs on low-income Americans. A reception and book signing will follow the event in the Gottwald Atrium. 

“I want readers to hate poverty a little bit more after reading my book,” Desmond said. “There are people in our communities whose potential is being blunted by the scourge of poverty. It’s unnecessary, and because it’s unnecessary, there is hope. We can do better, and this is not us.”

Using the selected book as a backdrop, the One Book, One Richmond committee coordinates programming with partners across the university’s five academic schools and with community organizations. Programming has included poverty simulations, lectures and discussions.