Illinois Libraries Present: Ruth E. Carter: Interweaving Tradition and Imagination Through Costume Design

Join us for a special event with Ruth E. Carter, the first Black person to win an Oscar (let alone two!) for Best Costume Design. She won her first Academy Award for the movie Black Panther and the second for its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Ruth E. Carter’s ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character made her one of the most sought after and renowned costume designers today. Best known for turning the Black Panther superhero into an African king, Carter is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category and the first costume designer to win for a film and its sequel. She also garnered additional Academy Award nominations as well as an Emmy nomination. Carter is known for her research and diligence to the craft of costume design, specifically for her work on historical films such as Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Steven Spielberg’s Amistad and Ava DuVernay’s Selma. 

Ruth E. Carter will be joined in conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of Wannabe. 

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). 

ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com