Protecting Social Justice with the Use of Graphic Novels

Protecting Social Justice with the Use of Graphic Novels

A Case Study of “Black Defender- The Awakening”

On Thursday, January 16, in celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and in reflection of its 2025 theme: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy, the Center for Social Justice welcomed author David Washington ’01. Washington, author of “Black Defender: The Awakening” delved into how graphic novels can further conversations surrounding social justice. His talk, Protecting Social Justice with the Use of Graphic Novels: A Case Study of “Black Defender: The Awakening,”  focuses on his award-winning graphic novel as an example of using graphic novels in social justice, cultural enhancement, and media representation.

Black Defender: The Awakening” was named best graphic novel of 2024 by BookLife, a subsidiary of Publishers Weekly dedicated to indie authors.