The Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities presents its 2023 Ifill Forum, “Leadership and Democracy: The Enduring Power of Black Women.” This year’s event features legendary White House Correspondent April Ryan, who will be honored with the Gwen Ifill Next Generation Award — presented to an individual who embodies Gwen Ifill’s commitment to professional excellence, mentoring, and the public good.
April Ryan will engage in a moderated discussion with members of the Simmons community, followed by audience Q&A. Following the event, Ifill College will host Ms. Ryan for a book signing. Copies of her book, Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem, will be sold at the event.
April Ryan’s recent publication details the crucial role that African-American women played in the 2020 presidential election. In this work, Ms. Ryan celebrates the tenacity, power, and impact of Black women across America, and their unprecedented role in upholding democracy. April Ryan also chronicles her personal journey from working-class Baltimore to the elite echelons of journalism, including the hurdles she faced in becoming one of the most well-connected members of the Washington press corps—while raising two daughters as a single mother.
This event is free and open to the public. Masks are strongly encouraged. For the book signing portion of the event, masks are required.
Please email ifillevents@simmons.edu with any questions.