Courtesy of GSU Communications
Acclaimed columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and political commentator Charles Blow will serve as the inaugural speaker for The Grambling Vanguard, the university’s new presidential initiative designed to spotlight bold ideas, creativity, and courageous leadership.
Curated to inspire action and provide a cultural and intellectual environment where ideas become catalysts for change, The Grambling Vanguard features three signature elements—the Speaker Series, the Vanguard Award, and a new podcast premiering in January 2026—bringing world-class artists, scholars, and practitioners to campus each semester while extending the institution’s tradition of excellence through action, leadership, and engagement on campus and beyond.
The first installment of the Grambling Vanguard Speaker Series will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Digital Library and Learning Commons at Grambling State University. Sponsored by Louisiana National Bank, the event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required at gram.edu/vanguard.
“Charles Blow’s voice resonates across the nation for its clarity, courage, and candor,” said Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. “His ability to confront the most pressing issues of our time while inspiring thoughtful dialogue makes him an ideal choice to open The Grambling Vanguard.”
Blow is currently an Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times and previously served as the paper’s Graphics Director, leading the team to multiple awards. He has also held positions at National Geographic Magazine and The Detroit News. His bestselling memoir, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, won a Lambda Literary Award and the Sperber Prize, and was adapted into a groundbreaking opera at The Metropolitan Opera—the first by a Black composer. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, calls for an end to systemic racism and has sparked national dialogue.
In addition to his writing, Blow is a sought-after commentator on politics and society, appearing on platforms such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, MSNBC, CBS News, and SalonTV. His advocacy for social justice, racial equity, and mental health continues to generate impactful conversations that challenge perspectives and inspire change.
With Blow as its inaugural voice, The Grambling Vanguard affirms its mission to empower students, elevate the institution, and enrich communities through education, culture, and innovation.
