Bayard Rustin Centennial Conference at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Friday, March 30 — Saturday, March 31, 2012, a citywide dialogue on the legacy of Bayard Rustin and social justice work in changing times.
This conference is free and open to the public. Please register at www.uic.edu/depts/quic/gsc/bayardrustin in advance.
Keynote Address from Mandy Carter, Performance and Reception
Friday, March 30th, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Reception at 6:00 p.m.; Keynote and Performance at 6:30 p.m.
UIC welcomes Mandy Carter, National Coordinator of the Bayard Rustin Centennial 2012 Project of the National Black Justice Coalition to campus to share her thoughts about Rustin's legacy as well as Centennial events taking place around the country.
Following Carter's remarks, an original performance explores Rustin's life through traditional spirituals and uncovered letters composed during his prison stay as a war resister during WWII. This performance is co-created by Johari Jabir, Assistant Professor in the Department of African American Studies and Megan Carney, Director of the Gender & Sexuality Center, in collaboration with UIC students and local artists.
This evening is made possible through a partnership with The Department of Theatre and Music at UIC and will be located in the performance space, Room 060, in the Education, Performing Arts and Social Work Building at 1040 W. Harrison St.
Social Justice Convening and Community Dialogue
Saturday, March 31st, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.,
Location TBA, UIC campus.
Action in the Tradition of Rustin
John D'Emilio, Professor in the Department of History and of Gender and Women Studies at UIC and author of Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin, begins the day with an overview of Rustin's career as an organizer and activist.
Building the Bridge: A round table discussion
Local scholars and community organizers share perspectives on Rustin's legacy and it resonance today. Discussants include Barbara Ransby, Chair of the Gender and Women's Studies Department at UIC and Lisa Marie Pickens, Co-Founder and Current Board President of Affinity Community Services.
Lunch provided at UIC.
Coalition Building in Chicago Today
For the final plenary session, an intergenerational panel of individuals working at the intersections of race, class, faith and sexual identity will discuss current priorities, challenges and strategies in Chicago.
The confirmed list of speakers will be announced shortly.
