Spencer Overton, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, is available for comment ahead of Wayne Law's Seventh Keith Center Biennial Lecture on "Racial Equality and the Future of Work" on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Law School's Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is the nation's black think tank, a non-profit based in Washington, DC that creates ideas that improve the socioeconomic status and civic engagement of African Americans. Overton's lecture in Detroit on "Racial Equality and the Future of Work" will include a discussion of automation, the rise of "gig-economy" independent contractors and other factors that are rapidly changing economic opportunity. According to Overton, these economic shifts could either deepen existing disparities or allow marginalized communities to leapfrog ahead, depending on today's legal and policy choices. Overton will discuss the challenges and opportunities these shifts present for the future of racial equity in Detroit and the nation.

In addition to the Joint Center, Overton holds numerous other appointments and is a former clerk of Judge Damon J. Keith.

Availability:

• Phone: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
• In person: Friday

To schedule an interview: Kaylee Place, kaylee.place@wayne.edu or 313-577-4629

Additional media:

• Event news release
• Overton on MSNBC
• Overton in The New York Times
• Joint Center's findings on race and jobs at high risk to automation

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Contact: Kaylee Place

Email: kaylee.place@wayne.edu

Phone: 313-577-4629