This year’s Phil Lind Initiative Series What It Means to Be “American”: Navigating Identity in a Changing Nation, grapples with the fluid and multifaceted nature of American identity amid rapid social and political turmoil and transformation. Against the backdrop of a second Trump presidency, this series will explore how historical legacies, cultural narratives, and current events continue to shape what it means to belong in American society today.
From candid discussions about political polarization and systemic inequality to comedic satire and immersive art installations, this series illuminates the complexities of belonging and identity in the United States. Not afraid to tackle the hard conversations, speakers will engage with themes such as the influence of power and technology, the ongoing struggles for racial and social justice, and the enduring impact of America’s colonial past—offering perspectives that challenge dominant narratives and provide new insights into “the American story.”
2025 Phil Lind Initiative events include:
Smriti Keshari & Eric Schlosser | January 16, 2025 6:30PM | Chan Centre, RBC Theatre
Adam Kinzinger | Feb 13, 2025 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall
Ziwe | March 13, 2025 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall
Raven Chacon | March 27, 2025 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall
Heather Cox Richardson | April 10, 2025 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall
Tickets are FREE while quantitates last (max 2 per order). Please note that these events are in-person and will not be livestreamed. Recordings of select events may be available online at a later date, please join the Phil Lind Initiative mailing list to learn more.
$1 Million Gift from Lind Family extends the Highly Popular Phil Lind Initiative at UBC
UBC announces a generous donation of $1 million from the Lind family in memory of Philip B. Lind, CM, honouring his exceptional legacy and love for his alma mater, and Canada-U.S. relations. The Lind family’s new gift enables UBC to build on the extraordinary success of the Phil Lind initiative and will extend it to the 2027 season
“Our father believed in the potential to shape a better future by bringing together diverse viewpoints that enrich society,” said Jed Lind, Phil Lind’s son. “The Phil Lind Initiative at UBC combined our father’s loyal support of his alma mater with his passion for engaging on important global topics. We are excited to continue the legacy of the Phil Lind Initiative, which provides a valuable platform for productive conversations around U.S. policy and identity. Never has this forum felt more necessary than the present moment.”
The 2025 Phil Lind Initiative is presented by UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in partnership with Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
