A Princeton University professor will give the keynote speech at the Bermuda Industrial Union's annual Banquet this evening.

Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies, will address members and guests at the Fairmont Southampton dinner.

Dr. Harris-Lacewell said: "It's exciting to have an opportunity to come to Bermuda and address the substance of what Labour Day is all about, particularly at a time when Bermuda is engaged in a conversation about race, human equality and the role of workers.

"This is exactly where the centre of the US is at the moment.

"All the racial anxieties of the US are squishing out of the sides as we attempt to have a conversation about workers and the rights of human beings to have healthcare, and the responsibility of governments to build such a society."

The associate professor admitted there was still "a dearth of voice" from workers in the US political process, and in other nations around the world.

But this evening she will speak on the similarities between the US, South Africa and African Diaspora countries such as Bermuda.

Dr. Harris-Lacewell said: "I will talk about the commonalities. In these countries there are the realities of post-colonial life, both in terms of psychology and class division."

Dr. Harris-Lacewell is the author of 'Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought', which discusses the methods African Americans use to develop political ideas through ordinary conversations in places like barbershops, churches, and popular culture.

Her book was awarded the 2005 W.E.B. DuBois book award from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.

It is also the winner of the 2005 Best Book Award from the Race and Ethnic Politics Section of the American Political Science Association.

Dr. Harris-Lacewell's interests include the study of African American political thought, black religious ideas and practice, and social and clinical psychology.