A Conversation with LeVar Burton

In one of the most highly anticipated events in recent memory, the Maverick Speaker Series brings to you the host of Reading Rainbow and Star Trek star LeVar Burton.  

The actor, director, producer, literacy advocate, and author will be speaking at UTA at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at Texas Hall. 

The Maverick Speaker Series is a forum for some of the brightest minds to examine the ideas, actions, solutions and people that impact the world around us. Previous speakers include Bill Nye, Jane Goodall, Seth Myers, and Emmitt Smith. 

Burton’s breakout role was in the ABC television miniseries “Roots” in 1977. Following “Roots,” his work continued on the small screen as the host of the educational television series “Reading Rainbow” on the Public Broadcasting Service starting in 1983. During its 26-year run, “Reading Rainbow” received more than 250 awards, including 26 Emmy Awards, of which 10 were for an outstanding series. 

Burton is also known by fans for his role as Geordi La Forge, starting in “Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987 to 1994. Over the years, he has reprised this role in several movies and the latest streaming series, “Star Trek: Picard” on Paramount Plus. Besides “Star Trek,” Burton has appeared in dozens of television shows and films. 

Outside of acting, Burton’s work as a literacy advocate has encouraged children to read. One of these steps was through the development of the Skybrary reading app, which was acquired by the nonprofit Reading is Fundamental in 2017.  

Burton partnered with Osmo’s Reading Adventure, which uses speech recognition and digital storytelling technology to teach children to read. He is also the author of several books, including “Aftermath,” and “The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm.” 

UTA students, faculty, and staff can reserve general admission tickets for free (limit two) online at UTA Tickets using their university email address. For the general public, tickets are $5 each. All packages are subject to availability. Obtain yours early to secure your seat for a great night out.