Join VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences and the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication for a conversation with Geoff Bennett, the co-anchor and co-managing editor of the PBS NewsHour. Bennett will discuss his book "Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms," in which he chronicles the transformative history of Black comedy in America, drawing on research and interviews with the actors and executives behind some of the most impactful shows. This exploration traces the evolution of Black comics and provocateurs who reshaped the culture and ultimately became powerful agents of social change -- transforming the way America laughed along the way. A Peabody Award-winning journalist, Bennett has reported on national politics at the highest levels — covering the White House and six presidential election cycles — while conducting exclusive interviews with cultural icons, world leaders, and groundbreaking artists. His work bridges politics and culture, offering clear-eyed insight into the forces that shape American life.

The conversation will be moderated by Jesse Vaughan (B.S. ’80), a 35-time Emmy Award–winning filmmaker, American director, producer, and founder of Vaughan Creative Partners. The event is followed by a reception.

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