Fall 2025 Bauder Lecture: Safia Elhillo

Safia Elhillo, distinguished, bestselling author of Bright Red Fruit, will deliver the keynote at the 5th annual Bauder Lecture. Following her address, Elhillo will be joined by celeste doaks—editor, journalist, and author of Cornrows and Cornfields—for an in-depth conversation. There will be a Q&A followed by a book signing in the lobby of the Horowitz Center. FREE books available to students in the Office of Student Life while supplies last.

In this gripping novel in verse, teenager Samira is determined to spend her summer exploring DC and growing as a poet—but a scandalous rumor leaves her grounded and vulnerable. Seeking solace online, she’s drawn into a secret relationship with an older poet that threatens her reputation, her community ties, and her dreams. Bright Red Fruit is a powerful coming-of-age story about navigating desire, family expectations, and the search for self.

The Bauder Lecture by Howard Community College is made possible by a generous grant from Dr. Lillian Bauder, a community leader and Columbia resident. Howard Community College will present an annual endowed author lecture known as The Bauder Lecture, and the chosen book will be celebrated with two student awards. Known as the Don Bauder Awards, any Howard Community College student who has read the featured book is eligible to respond and reflect on the book in an essay or other creative format. The awards honor the memory of Don Bauder, late husband of Dr. Lillian Bauder and a champion of civil rights and social justice causes.

For more information on this event visit https://www.howardcc.edu/discover/arts-culture/lectures-talks/bauder-lectures/. The event will be hybrid.

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