A former Kurri Kurri boy who is gaining international recognition in the field of history and the arts will be the guest speaker at ADFAS Pokolbin’s June lecture.
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Historian and political scientist Matthew Laing will present the lecture at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Monday, June 4.
Dr Laing attended Hunter Valley Grammar School, finishing there in 2002, before completing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and then a PhD in Political History at the Australian National University.
He went on to work for Utrecht University (in the Netherlands), and Monash University, lecturing on political leadership and policy.
He also works for Academy Travel in the United States, where he spends three-to-four months a year running tours and lectures on American history and culture (a role that evolved from his experience as an intern for the US Congress at age 21).
A key interest for Dr Laing is the health of western democracies – particularly the disengagement of people in the political process, the quality and diversity of people seeking political office, and the rise of populism.
Dr Laing will speak about the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s at the ADFAS Pokolbin lecture. The Harlem Renaissance was an artistic era that centred in New York. It was start of acceptance of black artists, writers and poets in white America.
The lecture will start at 7pm and cost is $30 or free for students/ADFAS members, with a light supper and Hunter Valley wines to follow. RSVP to Judy on 0409 986 565 or email members@adfaspokolbin.org.au.
