LeVar Burton set to speak at Stanford University about literacy and storytelling May 7

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• A Living Legend Returns to Inspire the Next Generation
• This Isn’t Just a Lecture – It’s a Dialogue About Digital Age Storytelling
• Event Details and Attendance Information
• Why This Moment Matters: Burton’s Ongoing Battle for Book Access and Literature
• What Questions Would You Ask a Living Legend About Reading’s Future?
  • Sources

LeVar Burton just brought his legendary storytelling to Stanford University. On May 7, 2026, the iconic actor and literacy champion shares life-changing insights about reading, imagination, and the future of storytelling in his most important public appearance yet.

A Living Legend Returns to Inspire the Next Generation

LeVar Burton, the globally celebrated actor and children’s literacy icon, has built a career spanning five decades transforming how audiences experience stories. From his breakout role as Kunta Kinte in Roots at age 19 to hosting Reading Rainbow for 26 years, Burton has consistently championed the power of imagination. This Stanford appearance marks a milestone moment where one of television’s most influential voices addresses higher education about literacy’s transformative potential.

The Emmy-winning performer brings unmatched credentials to the conversation. He’s earned 14 Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys. His Reading Rainbow earned over 200 awards total, making it one of the longest-running and most-decorated children’s shows ever created.

This Isn’t Just a Lecture – It’s a Dialogue About Digital Age Storytelling

The event features Burton in a live conversation with Professor Maisha T. Winn, an Excellence in Learning faculty leader at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education. Rather than a one-way presentation, this formats as genuine dialogue exploring critical questions. How can literacy spark imagination and drive lifelong curiosity? What role do educators, parents, and community leaders play in inspiring young people to embrace reading as joyful rather than obligatory?

Burton will specifically address the impact of digital technologies on creativity and storytelling. As artificial intelligence and digital platforms reshape how stories are told and consumed, his perspectives carry weight. Few people have witnessed the evolution of storytelling across broadcast television, streaming platforms, and emerging tech the way Burton has throughout his career.

Event Details and Attendance Information

Detail	Information
Venue	Stanford Memorial Auditorium, 551 Jane Stanford Way
Date	Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time	5:00-6:30 p.m. PST
Cost	Free, complimentary tickets via EventBrite

Registration is open through EventBrite with each guest eligible for two complimentary tickets. The venue has general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and all attendees must be seated by 4:55 p.m. The event accepts walk-in guests for any available seats until 5:05 p.m.

“In a conversation with Professor Maisha Winn, children’s education champion LeVar Burton shares insights from his career as a legendary storyteller, discusses the future of the written word, and explores the impact of digital technologies on creativity and storytelling.”

— Stanford Graduate School of Education, official event description

Why This Moment Matters: Burton’s Ongoing Battle for Book Access and Literature

LeVar Burton hasn’t simply retired after his television career. He’s actively combating book bans and censorship, standing alongside over 175 other artists and authors who oppose anti-LGBTQ+ and white supremacist book-banning efforts. He remains a vocal advocate for access to age-appropriate, diverse literature. Stanford’s platform gives Burton an opportunity to reinforce why such advocacy remains urgent, especially to university audiences who shape educational policy.

The event aligns with May traditionally being National Reading Month, making the timing symbolically significant. Burton continues leveraging his platform to champion literacy as an engine for justice, equity, and imagination across all ages and backgrounds.

What Questions Would You Ask a Living Legend About Reading’s Future?

Stanford is inviting attendees to propose questions in advance through a Google Form open until May 4. Selected questions will be read aloud during the event by staff. Additionally, live audience Q&A will take place on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring the conversation stays dynamic and responsive to the room’s curiosity.

Free parking is available in the Galvez Lot and Eucalyptus Lot after 4:00 p.m. for those driving. Public transportation options are also available via Stanford’s transit information page. A Diversity & Access Office accommodates disability-related requests if contacted by April 30 at 650-725-0326.

Sources

• Stanford Graduate School of Education – Official Cubberley Lecture Series event page with speaker biography and venue details
• Stanford Events Calendar – Complete event registration information and accessibility guidelines for attendees
• Britannica – LeVar Burton’s career timeline including Star Trek, Roots, and Reading Rainbow achievements