In your area September 3, 2008
TED CONOVER - Winner of the National Book Critics Award for his book, Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing. Conover’s extreme experiences on the edge of American life have given him plenty of stories, and storytelling is what he brings to his presentation: tales of the adrenaline-filled halls of Sing Sing, of crossing the border with Mexican illegals, of “the kind of risks you sometimes need to take to learn something new”.
In your area September 10 & 23, 2008
BERNICE JOHNSON REAGON - Dr. Reagon is a Freedom Singer who highlights her forty year journey as a cultural activist, scholar and artist. Founder of Sweet Honey In the Rock, she renders her passionate convictions in a moving and memorable mixture of song and spoken word, drawing on the life stories of 19th and 20th century African American women whose struggles for freedom guide her in this moving presentation.
In your area September 20 & 23, October 7 & 21, November 1 & 11, 2008 and March 9, 2009
SANDRA STEINGRABER – Could the food you eat or the floors you walk on be toxic? Praised as “the new Rachel Carson” for her groundbreaking book Living Downstream, Steingraber raises awareness of how toxins all around us adversely affect our health. She takes a personal and scientific look at the ecological links to cancer and other medical problems, and offers insight into how we can protect our environment and ourselves.
In your area September 23, 2008
IMMIGRATION DEBATE – How should America deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants living and working among us? Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, makes the case that restricting immigration is a matter of national security and economic stability. Human rights activist Enrique Morones, founder of the humanitarian organization Border Angels, reminds us that behind the discussions of policies and national borders are the lives of real people.
In your area September 25, 2008 and January 21, 2009
SPENCER OVERTON – Voters don't choose politicians-politicians choose voters by manipulating election rules. What can we do to restore power to the people? A noted expert on campaign finance and voting rights law, Spencer Overton is the author of Stealing Democracy: The New Politics of Voter Suppression. Overton articulates new ideas for enriching American democracy. Spencer serves as the Chairperson of Barack Obama's Government Reform Committee, a group of more than 30 experts who advise the Obama presidential campaign on campaign finance reform, lobbying, voting rights, and government ethics and transparency policies.
In your area October 7, 2008
CHARLES CAMERON MANN – A powerful storyteller, Mann’s most recent book 1491 explores the history of the Americas before Columbus. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, he has received awards for his articles and books on everything from emerging technologies to the business of medicine to endangered species.
In your area October 16, 2008
AMBER MADISON – America’s young people want straight talk about sex from parents and schools. Most are not getting it. Amber Madison, author of Hooking Up: A Girl’s All-out Guide to Sex & Sexuality gives them what they want in simple non-clinical language. It's all here, from Gonorrhea to the "G" spot, emergency contraception to erectile dysfunction. A fresh, fun and much-needed presentation.
In your area October 29, 2008
ENRIQUE MORONES – In the debate about immigration, we often forget the human side of the story. Enrique Morones is determined to help us remember. The founder of Border Angels, a humanitarian organization which provides support and relief to migrant workers on the US-Mexican border, he wants Americans to know the truth about the people behind the immigration policy debates, both migrants and the vigilante Minutemen.
In your area October 30, 2008
ROBERT KIRSHNER – Just what is the size and shape of the Universe, and how fast do galaxies move? Astronomer Robert Kirshner, author of The Extravagant Universe, answers these and other cosmological questions in a compelling style with amusing personal stories that make this otherwise daunting field accessible and entertaining. He was recently featured in the highly acclaimed PBS NOVA series “Origins”.
In your area October 30, 2008
ALFRED LUBRANO - Lubrano speaks from both personal experience and his work as a journalist about the role of class, culture and education across generations. The author of the books Limbo: Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams and Sons on Fathers, and a feature writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, he has won more than a dozen journalism awards.
In your area November 5, 2008
ARN CHORN POND – How does a child who was both a victim and survivor of the Cambodian genocide grow to become an internationally recognized human rights leader? A founder of Children of War, an international youth leadership organization for building community, activism and healing for teenagers, Pond opens our eyes and hearts, and helps us to heal.
In your area November 6, 2008
MARGARET LOWMAN - Involved in long-term studies of rainforest regeneration, Lowman has developed canopy techniques, including ropes, walkways, hot air balloons, construction cranes, and combinations of these methods. She frequently speaks about her jungle adventures and about rainforest conservation to educational groups. She continues to travel worldwide to “map the canopy for biodiversity”, and to work on conservation.
In your area January 19, 2009
JIM LUCAS – “Dynamic”, “heartwarming” and “soulful” are words often used to describe Lucas’ portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His uncanny resemblance to King is breathtaking, and his performance consistently brings standing ovations and a deeper appreciation of King’s life, work and vision.
In your area March 26, 2009
ANGELA SHELTON – Imagine meeting people across the country who share your name, and finding out that most of them share the same secret as you. Angela Shelton toured the country making the documentary Searching for Angela Shelton, and found that 70 percent of the Angela Sheltons she interviewed were (like her) survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence. Now she has begun a grassroots effort to empower all abuse survivors to heal and lead joyful lives. A powerful and inspiring presenter.
In your area April 21, 2009
NEIL deGRASSE TYSON – As Director of the Hayden Planetarium and host of the PBS magazine “NOVA Science NOW”, Dr. Tyson is one of the most high profile astrophysicists in America. He hopes to use the state-of-the-art Hayden to capture the scientific curiosity of a new generation of young people. His recent books include One Universe: At Home in the Cosmos, Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries, and Origins, the companion book to his acclaimed four-hour miniseries on the PBS program “NOVA.”
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