Wexner Center hosts conversation with sports columnist and author Dave Zirin on September 10

On Monday, September 10 at 7 PM, the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University continues a series of innovative programs exploring the connections between sports and culture with The Politics of Sports: A Conversation with the Nation’s Dave Zirin.

In a discussion with Dave Filipi, the Wex’s Director of Film/Video, the award-winning author and sports editor for the Nation will touch on contemporary issues such as the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick and the Black Lives Matter movement and the often troubled marriage between higher education and big time athletics, and will also trace the historic intersection of sports and politics through the 20th century.

“Sports has always provided a fascinating lens with which to examine broader social issues and never more so than right now,” notes Filipi. “A day doesn’t go by without sports providing the backdrop to discussions involving race, economics, gender, religion, and even broader national and international political issues. We’re very excited to have one of the most compelling voices about this dynamic with us for what is sure to be a riveting event.”

Named one of UTNE Reader’s “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World,” Zirin writes the weekly online column Edge of Sports in addition to his work for the Nation, and has contributed to numerous publications including the New York Times, Vibe Magazine, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. Zirin’s also the author of eight books including A People’s History of Sports in the United States (2009); The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment that Changed the World (2011); and Brazil’s Dance with the Devil: The World Cup, the Olympics, and the Fight for Democracy (2014).

Immediately following the discussion, Zirin will sign copies of his new biography, Jim Brown: Last Man Standing, at the Wexner Center Store.

Visitor Information
The Politics of Sports: A Conversation with the Nation’s Dave Zirin takes place on Monday, September 10, at 7 PM. Tickets for the discussion are $6 general admission, $5 for Wexner Center members, and free for students with valid ID. More information is available here or by phone at 614-292-3535.

Preview image: Dave Zirin, photo courtesy of Madison House, Inc.

Press contact: Melissa Starker, Creative Content & PR Manager
(614) 292-9840 or mstarker@wexarts.org