Dr. Anthony Jack to Deliver 2026 Pennington Lecture at the Wadsworth
Hartford, Conn. — Anthony Jack, Ph.D., a nationally recognized sociologist and leading voice on equity in higher education, will deliver the 2026 Pennington Lecture on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Wadsworth in Hartford. The event is free and open to the public on a space-available basis.
The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m. in the Wadsworth’s Avery Court with light fare, followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. in the museum’s theater. The lecture will also be livestreamed at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FUHKSOqLSb2TtBaMDq2Lhw.
Jack is the author of the critically acclaimed books “The Privileged Poor” and “Class Dismissed.” Drawing from his own experience as a low-income, first-generation college student, his work examines how socioeconomic inequality on college campuses shapes students’ academic and professional trajectories and how institutions can create more equitable pathways to success. He currently serves as faculty director of Boston University Newbury Center, which supports first-generation student success and inclusion.
Now in its fifth year, the Pennington Lecture brings together students, educators and community to explore issues of equity, opportunity and access while honoring Hartford’s enduring Black history and the legacy of the Rev. James W.C. Pennington— abolitionist, educator and pastor of Talcott Street Church. Built in 1819, Talcott Street Church was Connecticut’s first Black church and school, located on a site next to CT State Capital until 1954. CT State Capital hosts the annual lecture with funding, support, and partnership from the CT State Capital Foundation, the Amistad Center for Art & Culture, and the Wadsworth.
About CT State Capital and the Hartford Heritage Project
Hartford Heritage Project is an education initiative of CT State Capital, offering place-based course options at Capital to enhance the learning experience. Museums, theaters, parks and historical sites are utilized in lessons, assignments, projects and for guest speakers including the Pennington Lecture.
Located in Hartford, CT State Capital was renamed in 2023 following the merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges into a single institution, CT State Community College. Serving approximately 2522 students, (including both credit and noncredit), the campus offers 77 academic programs that provide accessible, affordable education and workforce training—preparing students for careers, transfer to four-year colleges, and opportunities that strengthen Connecticut’s economy and communities. Learn more at ctstate.edu/capital.
About The Wadsworth
Formerly known as the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Wadsworth honors the past and inspires the future through the power of human creativity. Guided by its founding belief that art can uplift society and ignite progress, the Wadsworth inspires reflection, dialogue, and cultural transformation through its outstanding collection, programs, and partnerships.