Ta-Nehisi Coates learned of Lanier’s case only through her attorney.

Evidence

Then, on November 19, 2018, Mike wrote me another email: “Tammy, I have very good news about Ta-Nehisi Coates. He is very excited about the project and wants to meet you.” … He had been in touch with Coates about the unfortunate Harvard symposium. No one at Harvard had mentioned me to the acclaimed writer. Mike was arranging a meeting so I could share my story with him. — Tamara Lanier, From These Roots, 830