Michael Eric Dyson, a prominent voice in the nationwide conversation on racial equality, is coming to speak at Central on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in the McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Dyson’s speech will be free and open to the public.

The speech will be followed with a book signing at the Wildcat Shop in the SURC.

Dyson’s appearance is part of Central’s Social Justice and Human Rights Series as part of this year’s inaugural theme, “Mass Incarceration and Racial Justice: Black and Brown Lives Do Matter.” The series aims to educate Central’s community and initiate discussions about race.

According to a press release by Central’s Publicity Center, Dyson is widely recognized for his contributions to the ongoing discussion of race relations.

Dyson, a Princeton graduate with a Ph.D. in religion, is the author of several books including the 2007 winner of the American Book Award, “Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster.”

Dyson also works as a sociology professor at Georgetown University and is a political analyst. He has appeared on a variety of radio and TV networks including NPR, CNN and MSNBC.

“Dr. Dyson is one of the authorities when it comes to issues of race and race relations,” said Michelle Cyrus, diversity officer at the Center for Diversity and Social Justice, in a press release. “I felt he could really speak to what we’re seeing now.”