The Wright Conversation Series 2026-2027

The Wright Conversations is a curated series of lectures and conversations moderated by The Wright Museum’s CEO and President Neil A. Barclay, followed by questions from our audiences. The Conversations feature presentations by leading thought leaders in popular culture, foodways, environmental justice, and the continuing effects of racial disparities in contemporary cultures around the globe. As part of The Wright’s educational initiatives, the series brings some of the nation’s most critically acclaimed artists and culture workers to southeast Michigan.

For each conversation, a purchase of a VIP ticket entitles you to a meet & greet with the headliner along with an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. VIP receptions begin as soon as the conversation session ends.

Stacey Abrams: Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM $50.00 General Admission/$75.00 Admission with VIP

Few contemporary leaders embody the intersection of civic engagement, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and social impact quite like Stacey Abrams. From her groundbreaking work in voting rights and democracy advocacy to her success as a business leader, producer, and bestselling author, Abrams has built a career dedicated to expanding opportunities and empowering communities.

Abrams joins Neil A. Barclay for an engaging discussion that reflects the museum’s commitment to exploring the ideas, leaders, and movements shaping our world. Together, they will examine the power of civic participation, leadership, economic empowerment, and storytelling as tools for creating lasting change.

Guests can expect an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that traces Abrams’ journey from public service and entrepreneurship to advocacy and authorship, while exploring the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. Grounded in history and focused on the future, this special evening will offer insights into how individuals and institutions can work together to build a more equitable and inclusive society.

Julie Dash: Friday, December 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM $25.00 General Admission/$40.00 Admission with VIP

Visionary filmmaker, writer, and cultural historian Julie Dash has spent her career reshaping how Black stories are told on screen and preserved in our collective memory. Best known for her groundbreaking film Daughters of the Dust—the first feature film by an African American woman to receive a wide theatrical release—Dash has become one of the most influential creative voices in American cinema. Her work explores themes of racial justice, migration, diasporic identity, and the lives of Black women, earning recognition from the Library of Congress, which has preserved both Daughters of the Dust and her acclaimed short film Illusions in the National Film Registry.

Dash joins Neil A. Barclay for a compelling dialogue on the power of storytelling, representation, and cultural preservation. Their conversation will explore Dash’s groundbreaking career, her artistic process, and the enduring impact of Black filmmakers in shaping how history and identity are understood across generations.

Guests can expect an engaging discussion that connects film, history, and social change while highlighting Dash’s work across cinema, television, and museum installations—including Shine a Light, her large-scale video projection created for the Charles H. Wright Museum. Through personal reflections and creative insights, Dash will share how storytelling can illuminate the past, inspire the present, and help imagine a more expansive future.

Abby Phillip: Thursday, February 4, 2027 $35.00 General Admission/$50.00 Admission with VIP

Award-winning journalist and CNN anchor Abby Phillip has become one of the nation’s most respected voices in political reporting and public discourse. As host of NewsNight with Abby Phillip, she leads thoughtful conversations on the issues shaping our world, bringing together diverse perspectives to examine the day’s most important stories through facts, accountability, and informed dialogue.

Phillip joins Neil A. Barclay for a timely discussion on journalism, democracy, civic engagement, and the evolving role of media in American society. Drawing from her extensive experience covering the White House, presidential campaigns, elections, and major national events, Phillip will offer unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our nation today.

Guests can expect a compelling conversation that explores the importance of truth, leadership, and informed citizenship while reflecting on the power of storytelling to shape public understanding. Through personal reflections and professional experiences, Phillip will share lessons from the front lines of political journalism and discuss how meaningful dialogue can help bridge divides and strengthen communities.

Michael W. Twitty: Thursday, March 11, 2027 $25.00 General Admission/$40.00 Admission with VIP

Food is more than what we eat; it is a living record of history, culture, migration, and identity. Acclaimed author, culinary historian, and educator Michael W. Twitty has dedicated his career to uncovering the stories embedded in the foods of the African diaspora and the American South. His award-winning book The Cooking Gene transformed conversations about ancestry, race, and foodways, while his groundbreaking work continues to explore the rich intersections of African American, Southern, and Jewish histories.

Twitty joins Neil A. Barclay for a fascinating discussion on the ways food connects us to our ancestors, communities, and shared histories. Drawing from his celebrated books, television appearances, and historical research, Twitty will examine how culinary traditions preserve culture, tell untold stories, and reveal the enduring influence of the African diaspora on American life.

Guests can expect an engaging conversation that blends history, storytelling, genealogy, and culture, offering fresh perspectives on the role of food in shaping identity and collective memory. Through personal reflections and historical insights, Twitty will illuminate how what we eat can deepen our understanding of who we are and where we come from.