Humanities Week Keynote Address: Beth Macy, Journalist and Best-selling Author

In this talk, based on Beth Macy’s 2025 memoir Paper Girl, she presents a gift of courage, empathy, and insight to audiences. Learn how Beth Macy turned to face the darkness in her family and community, people she loves wholeheartedly, even the ones she sometimes struggles to like. And how, in facing the truth—in person, with respect— she found sparks of human dignity that she has used to light a signal fire of warning but also of hope.

This event is free and open to all. Registration for this event is strongly encouraged, though not required. Please visit the link to register for this event: https://forms.office.com/r/4ZqEWTgK1v.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Abigail Middleton at 540-231-2640 or humanities@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.