“Racial Reconciliation, Institutional Morality, and the Social Life of DNA,” Alondra Nelson, Columbia University
5-7 p.m. Feb. 21, Frick Fine Arts Building

Nelson examines the recent use of genetic ancestry testing by the descendants of nearly 300 enslaved men and women owned by Georgetown University, whom the institution’s Jesuit stewards sold to Southern plantations in 1838 in order to secure its solvency. The case of the GU 272 will be explored as a “reconciliation project” — a social endeavor in which DNA analysis is put to the use of repairing historic injury. Reception (5 p.m.) and lecture (6:15 p.m.) are jointly sponsored by the departments of Africana studies and human genetics.

“American Politics in the New World Order,” Charles Dent, former congressman
7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 25, University Club, Ballroom B

Charles Dent, former congressman from Allentown and political analyst, will give the American Experience Distinguished Lecture, co-sponsored by the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy and the University Honors College. Register for the lecture here.