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Keynote Topics
Racism haunts nearly every aspect of our society—but it doesn’t have to. Scientists since the 1950s have proven that humans cannot be classified into biological races.
Drawing on the last 70 years of scientific research and discovery, Terence explains all you need to know about why race is an illusion, why you are nearly identical to people who look different than you, and how understanding science can help us become anti-racist.
FROM HEART DISEASE TO POLICE PROFILING
Humans are not created by nature; we are made in the image of the societies we design. This is what director of the CDC meant when she recently declared that structural racism is a public health issue.
If we continue to live in a world where practices like police profiling, residential segregation, and industrial contamination unequally impact where people of color live then we should expect the consequences of these racist practices to appear in our bodies.
In this talk, Terence explains why our ability to live with dignity and health is not a matter of chance or fate, but is a result of planning and design. With rising health disparities in the U.S. and a healthcare system on the verge of collapse, the possibility of anyone living well is becoming increasingly unlikely.
Reflecting on cutting edge research within the field of public health, this talk gives you tools to understand how humans embody the society we inherit and how we can literally create health through more equitable designs.
HOW OUR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS SHAPE HOW WE TREAT THE OTHER
Is it possible that our religious beliefs are responsible for the racism and discrimination troubling our society today?
There is ample evidence to suggest this might be true: from Christian merchants who purchased Black people during the transatlantic slave trade, to the persecution of European Jews during the Holocaust, and the recent support of white evangelicals of the rioters who stormed the Capitol.
In this talk Terence takes an unflinching look at the religious past of Europe and America to help explain the sources of present-day social and political discrimination.
He explains that while our religious beliefs have clearly divided us there are resources within the traditions of American thought—from the work of Frederick Douglass to Octavia Butler—that can help us design better beliefs about the world and others within it.
Terence Keel is more than a professor; he is a trailblazer in the realms of academia and social justice. As a Full Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he holds a prestigious split appointment in the Department of African American Studies and the UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics. With an unwavering […]
Terence Keel is more than a professor; he is a trailblazer in the realms of academia and social justice. As a Full Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he holds a prestigious split appointment in the Department of African American Studies and the UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics. With an unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Keel has carved out a unique space for himself as the Founding Director of the Lab for Bio Critical Studies.
This innovative laboratory serves as a hub for exploring the complex interplay between discrimination, inequality, and resilience as manifested within vulnerable communities. Through his groundbreaking research and engaging speaking engagements, Keel has emerged as a leading voice in navigating the intersections of race, genetics, and society.
Expertise
Dr. Terence Keel is a recognized expert in race, social justice, and the biomedical sciences. His expertise is grounded in extensive research that examines the historical and contemporary roles race has played in shaping scientific practices.
His academic background includes a PhD in Religious Studies from Harvard University, where he explored the relationship between science, religion, and race in American society. He has published widely on topics related to the history of science and race, most notably in his critically acclaimed book Divine Variations: How Christian Thought Became Racial Science, which reveals how Christian theology influenced the development of racial categories in science. His research has been featured in numerous high-profile academic journals, and he has delivered keynote speeches at universities and conferences across the globe.
Keel’s work is particularly focused on how racial concepts are entrenched in biomedical sciences and healthcare. As a tenured professor at UCLA and founding director of the BioCritical Studies Lab, he leads critical inquiries into race and science, unveiling the ways these fields perpetuate inequalities. His influence extends beyond academia, with his research being used to inform public policy and shape anti-racism training programs for health professionals, making him a go-to authority on the subject of racism in science and medicine.
Experience
Dr. Keel’s qualifications in the area of anti-racism stem from over a decade of scholarly research, teaching, and activism. His unique combination of theological training, historical scholarship, and focus on biomedical sciences equips him with a broad understanding of how racial ideologies have evolved and how they continue to impact society.
He has been an active academic for more than 15 years, during which time he has received numerous grants and awards to support his research. He regularly teaches courses at UCLA that challenge students to think critically about the intersection of race, science, and religion. This breadth of experience, along with his rigorous academic credentials, positions him as one of the most qualified and insightful voices on the subject today.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Keel has extensive experience consulting for organizations in both the public and private sectors. He has worked with healthcare institutions, universities, and non-profits to develop anti-racism initiatives that foster inclusivity and address structural inequalities. His ability to distill complex historical and social issues into practical solutions for contemporary problems has made him a valuable resource for organizations looking to implement meaningful change.
Authority
Dr. Keel’s authority as a top anti-racism speaker is undisputed, backed by a substantial academic career and a strong record of public speaking engagements. His research has been cited by scholars and activists worldwide, and his ideas have shaped contemporary discussions on race and science.
Keel’s leadership role as the director of the BioCritical Studies Lab further underscores his authority in the field, where he spearheads cutting-edge research that reveals how racialized thinking persists in modern scientific practices. His work has received widespread recognition, positioning him as a leader in both academic and activist circles.
Moreover, Dr. Keel’s authority is reinforced by his role as a public intellectual. He is a frequent speaker at major conferences, panels, and symposiums, where he addresses audiences ranging from university students to policymakers.
His engaging and thought-provoking presentations consistently garner praise for their depth, insight, and relevance, making him a highly sought-after voice in the anti-racism space. Event planners can be assured that by booking Dr. Keel, they are providing their audiences with a speaker who not only understands the historical context of racism but also offers actionable insights for addressing it in today’s world.
Trustworthiness
Dr. Terence Keel’s trustworthiness as a speaker comes from both his academic integrity and his practical work in the field of anti-racism. He is deeply committed to the pursuit of truth and justice, and his research is grounded in careful scholarship and historical accuracy. As an educator and public speaker, Keel prioritizes clarity, empathy, and respect for his audiences, ensuring that his presentations are accessible yet intellectually rigorous. His consulting work with various organizations, including healthcare systems and non-profits, further demonstrates his dedication to promoting equity and dismantling systemic racism. In every engagement, Dr. Keel upholds the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that event organizers and participants alike can trust in his expertise and approach.
Furthermore, his reputation is bolstered by the countless testimonials from organizations that have benefited from his insights and recommendations. Dr. Keel’s presentations are designed not only to inform but to inspire action, making him a trusted partner in helping organizations achieve their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
Why Terence Keel Should Be Booked by Event Planners
Event planners seeking to elevate their programming and foster meaningful conversations around issues of race, genetics, and social justice need look no further than Terence Keel. With his unique blend of scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, Keel brings a fresh perspective to any event. His expertise in African American Studies and Genetics, coupled with his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, ensures that audiences are challenged to think critically and expand their understanding of complex issues.
Keel’s reputation as a dynamic and compelling speaker precedes him, making him a sought-after choice for conferences, seminars, and symposiums alike. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and the broader public ensures that his message resonates with diverse audiences, sparking dialogue and fostering greater understanding. By booking Terence Keel, event planners can rest assured that they are bringing a transformative voice to their stage—one that is sure to leave a lasting impact on attendees.
Why Event Planners Should Use Speakers Inc
When it comes to curating a lineup of speakers that will captivate and inspire audiences, event planners need a partner they can trust. Speakers Inc. stands out as a premier agency dedicated to connecting event organizers with top-tier talent, like Terence Keel. With a roster that spans a diverse range of industries and expertise, Speakers Inc. offers unparalleled access to thought leaders and innovators who can elevate any event.
By partnering with Speakers Inc., event planners gain access to a wealth of resources and expertise, ensuring that every aspect of their programming is thoughtfully curated and executed. From initial consultation to event logistics, Speakers Inc. provides personalized support every step of the way, allowing planners to focus on creating unforgettable experiences for their attendees. With Speakers Inc. as their ally, event planners can trust that they are securing speakers of the highest caliber who will leave a lasting impression on their audience.
Summary
Dr. Terence Keel is a leading authority in the field of anti-racism, with a particular focus on how racial ideologies have influenced science and medicine. His interdisciplinary approach, combining history, science, and theology, sets him apart as an expert uniquely qualified to speak on these important issues. Dr. Keel’s work is not only academically rigorous but also practical, offering organizations actionable insights into how they can promote equity and dismantle systemic racism.
Booking Dr. Terence Keel through Speakers Inc ensures that event planners are providing their audiences with a speaker of the highest caliber. His engaging style, deep knowledge, and commitment to social justice make him an ideal choice for any event focused on anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
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Author Books | Magazine Covers
Divine Variations offers a new account of the development of scientific ideas about race. Focusing on the production of scientific knowledge over the last three centuries
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