Renowned actor, playwright and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson ’81 headlines 2025 Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture Series

To kick off Warrior Week, Wayne State University welcomes distinguished actor, playwright, director and alumnus Ruben Santiago-Hudson '81. Santiago-Hudson will deliver the 33rd annual Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center. The event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend.

"Wayne State University - and even more so the people of Detroit - helped define who I would become as an artist and as a man," Santiago-Hudson said. "I'm excited to return and share my experiences and the invaluable lessons I learned from my mentors and loved ones from my hometown of Lackawanna, New York, Detroit, Binghamton University and beyond."

"We are thrilled to welcome Ruben as this year's guest for the Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture, and cannot think of a better way to mark the start of our homecoming week," said Dr. Elena Past, interim dean of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. "Ruben is a dynamic Wayne State alum with a fascinating, impactful career. We invite everyone - at Wayne State and throughout the Detroit community - to join us for what will be a vibrant conversation about life, art, Detroit and the intersections between them."

Celebrating a legacy of dialogue and community engagement

Launched in 1992, the Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture Series is an annual night of reflection, dialogue and engagement, not just for Wayne State but the entire Detroit community.

Until his passing in 2011, Johnson, a longtime civil rights leader, educator and former WSU administrator, was a towering figure in the local and national landscape. This lecture series celebrates the enduring legacy he left as a champion of equal opportunity, civil rights and community engagement.

"It is a privilege and an honor to have my name in the same sentence as Dr. Arthur L. Johnson," Santiago-Hudson said. "The tireless, courageous work that he and countless others did to batter down the walls of racism ensured that future generations of Black and marginalized people inherited a better world and way of life than those before them. Dr. Johnson was fearless in demanding that the rights and freedoms bestowed on us by our creator were honored and the integrity and dignity of our ancestors were not just recognized, but celebrated."

Every year, the series brings distinguished corporate and civic leaders to campus to speak on an array of important issues in politics, business, law, the arts and beyond - all with the goal of exploring the fabric of urban life. This year, Santiago-Hudson will be joined in conversation by the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts' Juanita Anderson, the Bob Allison (Allesee) Endowed Chair in Media and an acclaimed filmmaker.

"I'm looking forward to having an honest conversation about the challenges of being an artist 'of color' in a business dominated by people that know very little about you or the things that are important to those in your community," Santiago-Hudson said. "I also look forward to answering questions from the audience who may recognize me for my accomplishments, but not the challenges I faced to achieve them."

Powerful alumni insight

Throughout its history, the Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture Series has hosted speakers of all disciplines, alumni and non-alumni alike. As a Wayne State alumnus, however, Santiago-Hudson will trace his path from Wayne State's campus to his successful career in theater, film and television.

A renowned figure in productions such as "Seven Guitars," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," "Castle," "Lackawanna Blues" and the winner of numerous awards - including a Tony Award, the Humanitas Award, the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Theatre Award and more - Santiago-Hudson's path is one both current students and alumni will find invaluable.

"This series is all about sharing relevant, timely, engaging perspectives that our community cares about," said Lyndsey Crum, assistant vice president of alumni relations. "Having an alumnus as our featured guest makes it that much more impactful. It shows how our university is a conduit between past and present, what current students are learning now and what alumni are applying in their current careers. It's all about bringing insights and leaders back to the community, creating full-circle moments."

Moreover, Crum said, Santiago-Hudson's presence is a testament to Wayne State's belief in community engagement: both within the Warrior community and in Detroit broadly.

Throughout his life, Johnson saw WSU as a touchstone for all of Detroit, not just those on campus. By bringing back someone who spent formative years in the city, it's an invitation for everyone - Warrior or not - to honor Johnson's legacy and strengthen the ties between Wayne State, Detroit and the people it has shaped.

In a world where technology has reshaped the nature of human connection, the Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture Series - and the work of Santiago-Hudson himself - is proof that shared, in-person experiences still have a role in fostering community and breathing life into the places and spaces we call home.

Want to attend this year's lecture? RSVP today. Registration link features more information about Santiago-Hudson, event details and parking. For any additional information, contact Karen Chan, alumni relations officer, at [email protected].