Announcing the 2026 Public Humanities Prize Winner: Reginald Dwayne Betts

The Clemente Course in the Humanities is proud to announce Reginald Dwayne Betts as the second recipient of its Public Humanities Prize, made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation. The prize honors a changemaker and thought leader whose work exemplifies the ideals of the Clemente Course and its belief in the transformative power of the humanities in public life.

Reginald Dwayne Betts is a poet, lawyer, and the Founder & CEO of Freedom Reads, an initiative to radically transform access to literature in prisons. Learn more about the award and Betts here.

Join the Clemente Community to celebrate the public humanities:

When: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5-7pm

Where: Trident Booksellers & Cafe

The Stacks Event Space

338 Newbury Street

Boston, MA

The evening will include hors d'oeuvres, a drink ticket (cash bar after), and great company. Betts will give a reading, followed by a conversation and Q&A, with award presentations and a chance to purchase his books.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration isn't required to attend, but letting us know you're coming helps us plan ahead and make the best use of our resources as we celebrate together.

The Power of the Humanities

The Clemente Course in the Humanities provides a transformative educational experience for adults facing economic hardship and adverse circumstances. Our free college humanities courses empower students to further their education and careers, become effective advocates for themselves and their families, and engage actively in the cultural and civic lives of their communities.