Lori L. Tharps is a journalist and author whose work lands at the intersection of race and popular culture. A public intellectual, Tharps strives to use her words to broaden the conversation about race in America; to challenge racial stereotypes; to dismantle white supremacy; and to celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity whenever possible.
A former associate professor of journalism at Temple University, Lori has won awards and accolades for her teaching in both academic and creative workshop settings. In addition to teaching at Temple University in Philadelphia, Tharps has also taught at Rosemont College and at Temple’s London Campus. She has also taught at numerous writing festivals and writing centers including, Blue Stoop Philly and Gotham Writer’s Workshop.
Lori is the author of three critically acclaimed non-fiction books that deal with race, culture and identity; Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America (St. Martin’s), Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain (Atria), and her most recent, Same Family Different Colors: Confronting Colorism in America’s Diverse Families (Beacon).
Lori is also the author of the novel, Substitute Me (Atria), which explores the complicated relationship between a young white professional woman and her African-American nanny who is not exactly what she seems.
In addition to her books, Lori’s work can be read in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Essence, Glamour, and Entertainment Weekly magazines.
Lori is also the founder of the platform, My Bloody Hell, an inclusive podcast and blog about the menopause journey. And she recently launched, Read, Write and Create, an online sanctuary for BIPOC writers.
When she is not writing or reading, Lori enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and working in her garden.
If you want to know more about Lori’s writing and/or her professional work, including speaking engagements, please visit her website at LoriLTharps.com. To find out about her workshops and classes, sign up for her bimonthly newsletter here.
