Arizona State University expert directory

Neal Lester is an expert in African American literary, cultural studies and racial bias.

Lester is a Foundation Professor of English at ASU where he is founding director of the award-winning Project Humanities initiative. He’s also a popular public speaker, radio guest, op-ed contributor, newspaper columnist, blogger, and discussion facilitator. He is the author, co-author or editor of eight books and numerous articles in journal and magazines on topics such as children's literature, drama, folklore, the politics of hair, the "n-word," and racialized images in American cinema. The recipient of dozens of honors and awards for public scholarship and professional service, Lester conducts privilege and bias workshops as well as workshops on social justice lessons beyond books. Lester also leads Project Humanities' outreach to those experiencing homelessness.