In late February, Columbus Academy upper-schoolers were visited by renowned poet, essayist and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib, who served as the speaker for this year’s Currier Lecture Series. Hanif was joined onstage by our Director of Diversity & Community Life Dr. Pascal Losambe, who moderated a fireside chat and Q&A with students in the audience.
Hanif – who grew up in Columbus and is a graduate of Beechcroft High School – recently published his latest book, “There’s Always This Year,” which interweaves his love for basketball and intimate storytelling ability with a “lyrical, historical and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models.”
While taking questions from students, Hanif shared his aspirations for writing and intentionality in “slowing life down” to enjoy the moments of achievement, joy, love and more.
The mission of the Phil Currier Lecture Series – named in honor of Phil Currier, former upper school head – is “to bring to Columbus Academy speakers whose life and experience exhibit self-challenge, provoke thought and are agents of positive change. These qualities shared with the Columbus Academy community will stimulate dialogue, challenge our students to ‘Quest for the Best’ and strengthen and enrich Columbus Academy.”