Center for the literary arts in New York State
"I've long known Huma to be a compassionate and committed advisor and public servant. I've relied on her talents, wisdom, and counsel for a quarter-century. Both/And is the beautifully written account of a grand journey, and I’m so delighted she’s chosen to share her story of grit and grace with the world.”
— Hillary Rodham Clinton
UAlbany Speaker Series
Huma Abedin
7 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022
UAlbany Campus Center Ballroom
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany NY 12222
Free and open to the public. Free parking. See map.
Huma Abedin, political strategist and vice chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, is the author of the new memoir BOTH / AND: A Life in Many Worlds (2021). Abedin tells the remarkable story of her Indian and Pakistani family, her Muslim faith, her Saudi Arabian childhood, her 1996 White House internship with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, and her subsequent career as personal aide, trusted advisor, and Middle East expert for the former U.S. Senator from New York, Secretary of State and presidential candidate.
Cheryl Strayed (Wild) called it, “an extraordinary memoir about the most private and public things,” and said, “the writing is just gorgeous.”
From the Times Union: "Huma Abedin reflects on Clinton service, Anthony Weiner marriage in new book"
Note: Masks required. Event subject to change. We encourage you to sign up for email updates to stay up-to-date on schedule information.
From the publisher:
The daughter of Indian and Pakistani intellectuals and advocates, Abedin grew up in the United States and Saudi Arabia and traveled widely. Both/And grapples with family, legacy, identity, faith, marriage, motherhood—and work—with wisdom, sophistication, and clarity.
Abedin launched full steam into a college internship in the office of the First Lady in 1996, never imagining that her work at the White House would blossom into a career in public service, nor that her career would become an all-consuming way of life. She thrived in rooms with diplomats and sovereigns, entrepreneurs and artists, philanthropists and activists, and witnessed many crucial moments in 21st-century American history -- Camp David for urgent efforts at Middle East peace in
the waning months of the Clinton administration,
Ground Zero in the days after the 9/11 attacks, the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States, the convention floor when America nominated its first female presidential candidate.
Abedin’s relationship with Hillary Clinton has seen both women through extraordinary personal and professional highs, as well as unimaginable lows. Here, for the first time, is a deeply personal account of Clinton as mentor, confidante, and role model. Abedin cuts through caricature, rumor, and misinformation to reveal a crystal clear portrait of Clinton as a brilliant and caring leader, a steadfast friend, generous, funny, hardworking, and dedicated.
Both/And is a candid and heartbreaking chronicle of Abedin’s marriage to Anthony Weiner, what drew her to him, how much she wanted to believe in him, the devastation wrought by his betrayals—and their shared love for their son. It is also a timeless story of a young woman with aspirations and ideals coming into her own in high-pressure jobs and a testament to the potential for women in leadership to blaze a path forward while supporting those who follow in their footsteps.
Abedin’s journey through the opportunities and obstacles, the trials and triumphs, of a full and complex life is a testament to her profound belief that in an increasingly either/or world, she can be both/and. Abedin’s compassion and courage, her resilience and grace, her work ethic and mission are an inspiration to people of all ages.
More at www.huma-abedin.com
Sponsored by the UAlbany Student Association, Division of Student Affairs, Alumni Association, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of University Events, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, and University Auxiliary Services, in partnership with the NYS Writers Institute.
COVID PROTOCOL FOR ALL IN-PERSON EVENTS:
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask or other face covering while inside any UAlbany owned, operated or leased building.
Unvaccinated individuals are also required to wear face coverings in all outdoor settings. This revised mask requirement will remain in place until the University removes the requirement upon the recommendations of the CDC or other public health officials. Individuals should not attend our in-person events if they — or anyone in their household — are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. UAlbany COVID guidelines.
PARKING
Free parking for Writers Institute events on the Uptown Campus will be available in the State Quad Student Parking Lot one hour prior to and one hour after events. Visitor Parking lots are also available for $5 per vehicle, though parking spaces are very limited.. See map.