Heather McGhee is the author of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.”

The Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) will host a New York Times best-selling author tonight as she discusses her most recent book, called a groundbreaking call to action that works to examine racism and its effects and harms in society.

Heather McGhee, author of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together,” is a visiting lecturer in urban studies at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies and is also the chair of the board of Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization.

McGhee is an expert in the American economy, specifically questioning why it often fails its people regarding issues with student debt, public infrastructure and has, through her research, discovered the common root of the issue: racism.

In the book, McGhee travels the country meeting with individuals of all nationalities and colors who have been affected by racism and how it creates a toxic mix.

Guests are invited to the free event which begins at 6:30 p.m. inside Fresno High School’s Royce Hall.

McGhee’s book spent 10 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list among numerous other awards. McGhee’s TED talk, “Racism Has a Cost For Everyone,” achieved more than 1 million views in only two months.

McGhee has also testified in Congress, drafted legislation and helped to develop strategies and campaigns with the goal of improving the lives of those affected by racism.

Reservations for the event can be found online. The event is free to attend, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., the program beginning at 6:30p.m., followed by a Q & A segment at 7:30 p.m.