LeVar Burton Honored with W.E.B. Du Bois Medal In recognition of his immense contributions to African American culture, LeVar Burton was recently awarded the prestigious W.E.B. Du Bois Medal by Harvard University. This honor, regarded as one of the highest distinctions in African and African American studies, celebrates Burton’s impact on education, entertainment, and social activism. Burton, best known for his iconic role in Roots and his 23-year tenure on Reading Rainbow, was acknowledged alongside other notable figures such as Spike Lee and Ice T. This accolade highlights Burton’s enduring commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and advocating for equality through his work.
The medal ceremony took place at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre, marking a momentous occasion in Burton’s already illustrious career. This award adds to his legacy of promoting literacy and cultural awareness, roles that have made him an enduring figure in both the entertainment and educational spheres. This recognition comes at a time when Burton is enjoying a renewed presence in media and public life, especially following the wave of support during his bid to become the permanent host of Jeopardy!
Upcoming Projects: Hosting Trivial Pursuit Burton’s journey as a game show host continues with his latest project—hosting a new Trivial Pursuit game show, set to air on The CW. The game show, based on the classic trivia board game, is expected to showcase Burton’s charisma and intelligence, qualities that earned him a dedicated fanbase during his guest-host stint on Jeopardy! in 2021. While Burton was not selected as the permanent host of Jeopardy!, his role in Trivial Pursuit is being seen as a natural extension of his love for knowledge and his ability to engage viewers in educational entertainment.
Fans are eager to see Burton return to the small screen in a hosting capacity, and the show is set to premiere later this year. This marks another exciting chapter in Burton’s television career, proving that his dedication to promoting learning and education continues to resonate with audiences today.
Continued Advocacy and Public Engagement Beyond his television and film career, Burton remains an active voice in public advocacy. Recently, he participated in a panel discussing healthcare misinformation and public trust at a symposium held by Case Western Reserve University. His involvement in this event underscores his commitment to important societal issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. As misinformation spreads, figures like Burton are using their platforms to encourage critical thinking and promote accurate information, further solidifying his role as a cultural and intellectual leader.
Burton’s legacy spans multiple generations, from his pioneering role as Kunta Kinte in Roots to his groundbreaking efforts with Reading Rainbow, and now, to his latest endeavors in television and public speaking. Whether inspiring young readers or advocating for social justice, Burton’s influence continues to grow, ensuring that his contributions to society will be felt for many years to come.