Do you feel committed to positive change but paralyzed by the magnitude of crises and harms? Harried and overwhelmed by competing calls to action? Exhausted and disconnected from the meaning of your efforts? Join Ashley Hope Pérez (Associate Professor of Comparative Studies) for some inspiration and practical strategies for cultivating advocacy that is a joy to sustain.
Dr. Pérez draws on her experiences responding to censorship since 2021, when her novel Out of Darkness became one of the most banned books in the United States. Her advocacy has taken many forms, from public speaking and interviews, to editing Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights (an anthology of banned writers), to directing the Unite to Read Project, a three-year Mellon Foundation-funded initiative at OSU. She’ll share the lessons she learned in the process and how she continues to orient toward passions and sources of joy (and let go of shame and “shoulds”).
Come for a pint or a snack, find community and leave with fresh ideas on how to stay rooted in your values and oriented toward joyful action.
All "Humanities on Tap" events are free and open to everyone. Sponsored by the Humanities Institute.
This event will be held at Budd Dairy Food Hall during "Fourth Street Fridays," monthly open-air evenings featuring creative entertainment and special gatherings hosted by small businesses along North Fourth Street in Italian Village.
Ashley Hope Pérez is a literary scholar, novelist, youth advocate and educator. As one of the most frequently banned writers in the United States since 2021, Pérez uses her insights and experiences to advocate for students and their right to learn, grow and access diverse literature.
Parking Information
There are 60 free spots in the adjacent south lot and 40 free spots in the north lot after 5:00 PM. Much of the nearby street parking in Italian Village is managed through the ParkColumbus app or electronic kiosks.
Remaining Humanities On Tap Events- Autumn 2026
Moth-Vember
November 6 - 19, Locations vary
This November marks the 60th anniversary of the first Mothman sightings in Ohio and West Virginia. To commemorate this legendary piece of Ohio folklore, the Humanities Institute is partnering with the OSU Center for Folklore Studies for three exciting events:
- The Mothman Prophecies Screening: Catch a special showing of the film at the Gateway Film Center and meet the owners of the Mothman Museum with a Q+A following the movie. Date is currently TBD.
- The William Hammond Lecture in the American Tradition: Join us that same week for a presentation by renowned folklorist David J. Puglia, author of North American Monsters: A Contemporary Legend Casebook. Date and location are currently TBD.
- Cryptid Makerspace: Unleash your inner artist at an open art studio event on November 6th in 198 Hagerty Hall from 1 to 4 pm.
See our event page for more details on all our events throughout the fall semester.
For more information about the "Humanities on Tap" community event series, please contact Ryan Skinner, Director of the Humanities Institute and Professor and Area Head for Musicology and Music Theory.
The Humanities Institute and its related centers host a wide range of events, from intense discussions of works in progress to cutting-edge presentations from world-known scholars, artists, activists and everything in between.
We value in-person engagement at our events as we strive to amplify the energy in the room. To submit an accommodation request, please send your request to Cody Childs, childs.97@osu.edu.