Exhibition Opening Event: The Black Hero's Journey: A Conversation with Christian Cooper
Emmy-winning television host, writer, and editor Christian Cooper joins University Chaplain and exhibit co-curator Chaz Howard for a wide-ranging conversation about race and representation in American comics as we mark the opening of the exhibition The Black Hero’s Journey.
Hosted by: Kislak Center
Before the infamous Central Park birding incident, the memoir that followed Better Living Through Birding (2024), and his role as host of the National Geographic documentary Extraordinary Birder, Christian Cooper was an editor and writer with Marvel Comics. At Marvel, he thought deeply about the importance of representation, introducing some of the first openly gay and lesbian characters.
Please join Cooper and University Chaplain, Vice President for Social Equity & Community, and co-curator of The Black Hero’s Journey Chaz Howard for a wide-ranging conversation about race and representation in American comics as we mark the exhibition’s opening.
This program is offered in conjunction with Penn Spectrum Weekend, 2026.
About the Speaker
Christian Cooper is a New York Times best-selling author, with his debut memoir, Better Living Through Birding. He is also the host and a consulting producer for National Geographic's hit series: Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper. Practically born with a pair of binoculars in his hands, he served as president of the Harvard Ornithological Club in his college days; currently as a vice president of New York City Audubon he advocates for greater, safer access to green spaces for all, with a focus on outreach to youth in underserved communities. A longtime activist on issues of racial justice and LGBTQ equality, Christian combined his passions in the BLM graphic short story "It’s a Bird” from DC Comics, and he continues to seek synergy at the intersections of storytelling, progressivism, and environmentalism.
Featured image courtesy of Christian Cooper