2025 Phil Lind Initiative in the News

April 4, 2025
Is There Hope for America? Heather Cox Richardson Thinks So
American historian and author Heather Cox Richardson, best known for her newsletter, “Letters from an American,” shares her insights on the current state of American democracy and the challenges it faces in an interview with The Tyee.

March 21, 2025
GATHER | Baiting Ziwe x ‘What It Means to Be American’ x UBC
Nigerian-American author and satirist, Ziwe brings her bold humour and visually playful style to the 2025 Phil Lind Initiative Speaker Series. In conversation with Shad, she reflects on the politics of satire and her approach to using comedy to critique culture and express herself uniquely.

March 13, 2025
GATHER | Ramy Youssef x ‘What It Means to Be American’ x UBC
Award-winning Egyptian-American stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, and director, Ramy Youssef engages a packed audience as he humorously addresses the complexities of American identity, the post-9/11 experience for Arab and Muslim communities, and the evolving American dream.

March 12, 2025
Ziwe on satire, identity, and why she’s excited to visit Vancouver
Comedian, writer and actress, Ziwe skillfully uses satire to explore and challenge power, privilege, and identity. Featured in The Georgia Straight, she discusses the role of comedy in activism, the value of perspective in creative work, and how she views “satire” as a form “of contributing to discourse around really important issues.”