and religious movements. boston public library hosted seat and. it s about one hour and ten minutes. .. and in 1999 was elected to the american academy of arts and chair of department of africa and african african-american studies and director of the w.e.b. dubois institute of africa and african-american research. has written a number of books on history and literary criticism criticism, one which one the 1989 american book award. i suspect professor gates has appeared, his picture and biography have appeared in media around the world but this month, he appeared in something that i think will unique in his long curriculum vitae. this is the wb news, which is the monthly newsletter of the funeral home industry. [laughter] and he has a full page picture and drinks of tonight s lecture. so you are reaching many audiences. [applause] thank you. bill, thank you. are you okay? . [applause] got it? can we get the screen? thank you, bill. thank you so much for that very kind,