Press Release

LOOKING FOR DEMOCRACY IN ’08: A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON RACE, GENDER, AND THE ELECTIONS

The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council hosts a discussion with educators and activists on February 25 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

CHICAGO – The candidacies of Clinton and Obama have caused political commentators and the media to ask if racism or sexism is more prevalent today. But is this the right question to be asking? With all the talk of “change” coming from the presidential candidates, will this election actually bring about change? How can we move beyond rhetoric and dig deeper to seek peace, justice, and a better world?

The Public Square at the IHC invites you to “Looking for Democracy in ’08: A Roundtable Discussion on Race, Gender, and the Elections.” This conversation will explore the nuances of the race vs. gender debate and the politics of social change. It will take place on Monday, February 25th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Chicago Cultural Center (5th Floor Garland Room, 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago).

This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and can be made by e-mailing events@prairie.org or calling 312.422.5580.

Panelists include:


  • Mia Henry, Director, Chicago Freedom School
  • Miriam Martinez, Youth Innovation Fund Coordinator, Mikva Challenge
  • Barbara Ransby, Associate Professor of History and African-American Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, author of Ella Baker & the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision
  • James Thindwa, Executive Director, Chicago Jobs with Justice
  • Cassandra West, Director of Communications, Chicago Foundation for Women

This program is presented by The Public Square at the IHC, in partnership with the Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Foundation for Women, Chicago Freedom School, Crossroads Fund, Ella’s Daughters, Columbia College Chicago’s Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media, In These Times, and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

ABOUT THE PUBLIC SQUARE AT THE IHC

The Public Square at the IHC fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social, and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations.

For more information about The Public Square at the IHC, please visit www.thepublicsquare.org or call 312.422.5580.

The Illinois Humanities Council is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Through its programs and grants, the IHC promotes greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Organized as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1973, the IHC is now a private nonprofit (501 [c] 3) organization that is funded by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; by the Illinois General Assembly; and by the NEH.

D A R E T O K N O W

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