MLK Jr. Day Special Program: Exploring Direct Action, from Then to Now

11am – 12:30pm

Teach-In with Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries

Many of us know about Martin Luther King Jr. through a few soundbites or events, but there is far more to be learned from his strategic methods and goals. Join Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, esteemed scholar of the Civil Rights movement, as he leads a special learning session that puts King into broader context, and explores various expressions of African-American protest and non-violent direct action since the 1960s.

12:30 – 1:30pm

Affirmative Political Sign-Making with Favianna Rodriguez

How can you use words and art to express the positive change that you want to see in your community and our world? Come work with and learn from celebrated artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez, co-editor of Reproduce and Revolt, who will lead this interactive art-making activity.

1:30 – 3:30pm

Protest, Petition, and Civil Disobedience: A For Freedoms Town Hall (Freedom of Expression)

Panelists: M. Carmen Lane (artist and activist); Favianna Rodriguez (artist and activist); Emma Sulkowicz (artist, Carry that Weight); Shakyra Diaz (Alliance for Safety and Justice); Moderated by Dan Moulthrop (The City Club of Cleveland)

This special For Freedoms Town Hall explores the various methods and related outcomes of peaceful protest today. From raising a fist or taking a knee during the National Anthem to organizing marches to creating obstructive performances that draw attention to serious issues, our panelists will share their goals and challenges around non-violent direct action. The discussion will explore both sanctioned approaches like petitioning as well as non-endorsed, even penalized activities as individual and collective ways to effect change. We invite participants from the community to come listen, ask questions, share their experiences of this critical aspect of our democracy.