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 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 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 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 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 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.”