Celebration of Literature and Insight at North Carolina A&T State University
On November 19, 2025, an insightful event is set to take place at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in East Greensboro. The MacKenzie Scott Endowed Professor of Biology, Dr. Joseph L. Graves Jr., will host a talk and book signing for his latest work, “Why Black People Die Sooner: Medical Misconceptions, How They Harm, and How to Fix It.” Scheduled for 1 p.m. at the N.C. A&T Student Center, this event promises to be both educational and thought-provoking.
Understanding the Book
Dr. Graves’ book was published by Columbia University Press on October 21, and it quickly garnered attention, even being recognized as Amazon’s Top Release in the field of Epidemiology. The urgency of the topic stems from Graves’ own personal experiences, which mirror a broader narrative shared by many African American families. “Every African American family has dealt with an elevated mortality rate because of medical incompetence,” he asserts, highlighting a deep-rooted issue affecting the community.
Unpacking the Causes
Graves delves into the multifaceted reasons behind the stark disparities in health outcomes faced by African Americans. Central to his argument is the premise that structural racism plays a pivotal role in the disproportionate mortality rates. He states, “The leading cause of Black people dying sooner is structural racism,” pinpointing medical misconceptions about human biological variation as a crucial factor driving this alarming reality. The data is significant, showing that conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes lead to earlier deaths among African Americans compared to other racial groups.
The Event Details
For those interested in joining the conversation, copies of “Why Black People Die Sooner” will be available for purchase at the Barnes & Noble bookstore located in the Student Center. Attendees will not only have the opportunity to obtain a copy but also engage directly with Dr. Graves during the signing event, making it a unique occasion for dialogue and reflection.
Future Ventures
Looking ahead, Dr. Graves is not resting on his laurels. He is actively working on three additional books, including “Anti-Racist Medicine,” a collaborative effort with researchers from Oxford University set to publish in early 2026. This forthcoming title will undoubtedly build on his commitment to addressing the intersection of race and health in an increasingly complex world.
Recognition in the Field
Dr. Graves has gained international acclaim for his research on race, biology, and genetics. His previous publications, such as “A Voice in the Wilderness: A Pioneering Biologist Explains How Evolution Can Help Us Solve Our Biggest Problems” and “Racism, Not Race: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions,” co-written with biological anthropologist Alan H. Goodman, have resonated deeply within academic circles. “Racism, Not Race” won the prestigious W.W. Howells Award from the American Association of Anthropologists for Best Book in Biological Anthropology in 2024, underscoring the critical conversation he has fostered around these topics.
Achievements and Contributions
Often referred to as “Black Darwin,” Graves holds the distinction of being the first person of African descent to earn a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, obtained from Wayne State University in 1988. His extensive work—spanning the evolution of aging and microbial evolution—has earned him considerable recognition, including a Liberty Science Center Genius Award in 2024. He continues to impact the field through his roles at N.C. A&T, serving as the director and co-principal investigator of the Genomics Research and Data Science Center for computation and Cloud Computing (GRADS-4C), along with his position as associate director for the Precision Microbiome Engineering (Generation Four) Engineering Research Center.
Engaging the Community
Dr. Graves’ upcoming talk and book signing is not just a literary event; it is a call to action, reflecting a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that perpetuate health disparities. Participants can expect an engaging discussion that invites reflection on personal and communal experiences, as well as actionable insights on how to confront and mend the misconceptions surrounding medical care and race.
The event at North Carolina A&T is not to be missed—it’s an opportunity to witness the intersection of science, advocacy, and community engagement, all through the lens of Dr. Joseph L. Graves Jr.’s groundbreaking work.