Global Conversations
LMU’s Global Conversations Series returns for the 2026-27 academic year with Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., leading powerful discussions on race, family, heritage, identity, and much more.
Presented by the Office of the Provost, the Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture, and the Arts, and the Division of Student Affairs, the Global Conversations Series brings scholars, artists, activists, writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives to the LMU campus to engage with and inspire the community.
Upcoming Events
Henry Louis Gates Jr. + Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne, award-winning American actor, producer, and director, joins Henry Louis Gates Jr., in conversation on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
Upcoming Events
Jori Lewis
Jori Lewis, an award-winning journalist and author will be featured in a Global Conversation on Monday, November 16, 2026.
Upcoming Events
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation will be featured in a Global Conversation on February 22, 2027.
Past Events
Joe Manganiello - October 25, 2025
Joe Manganiello, actor, producer, director, author, and philanthropist, joins Henry Louis Gates Jr., in conversation on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
Sheryl Lee Ralph - October 23, 2025
Sheryl Lee Ralph, an Emmy-winning actress and singer, joins Henry Louis Gates Jr., in conversation on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
John Legend - September 8, 2025
John Legend, EGOT-winning singer-songwriter, actor, producer, activist, and philanthropist, joins Henry Louis Gates Jr., in conversation on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Ed O'Neill - October 25, 2024
Ed O'Neill, actor and comedian, will join Henry Louis Gates, Jr., in conversation on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Anthony Ramos - October 26, 2024
Anthony Ramos, Grammy-winning and Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated performer, joins Henry Louis Gates, Jr., in conversation on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
LeVar Burton - Jan. 11, 2024
LeVar Burton, actor, director, and education advocate, joined Henry Louis Gates, Jr., in conversation on January 11, 2024.
Julia Lee - Nov. 1, 2023
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., was interviewed by Julia Lee, Associate Professor of English.
David Chang - Oct. 27, 2023
David Chang, founder of Momofuku and Majordomo Media, joined Henry Louis Gates, Jr., in conversation.
Damon Lindelof - Jan. 18, 2023
Damon Lindelof, three-time Emmy-winner, creator of "Lost," "The Leftovers" and "Watchmen," writer and producer of "Star Trek," "World War Z," and more, joined Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., to discuss his episode of "Finding Your Roots."
Angela Davis - Jan. 19, 2023
Professors Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Angela Davis discussed Davis's episode of "Finding Your Roots" in addition to social justice issues, the problems associated with incarceration, and the generalized criminalization of communities affected by poverty and racial discrimination.
Cornel West - Oct. 7, 2022
Professors Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Cornel West discussed the prevalence of culture wars in the U.S. and worldwide.
Wole Soyinka - March 4, 2022
The inaugural Global Conversation featured Nobel Laureate, writer, activist, and former President's Marymount Professor in Residence, Wole Soyinka.