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Media Advisory: National Archives Opens Registration for ‘National Conversation on LGBTQ Human & Civil Rights’ in Chicago

June 8, 2016

The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation today opened registration for the “National Conversation on Rights and Justice: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ) Human Rights & Civil Rights,” in Chicago, July 15-16. Held from spring 2016 to early 2017, the National Conversation series explores topics related to the continuing and often complicated issues of rights in our modern era, including: immigration rights/reform, civil rights and individual freedom, and women’s rights and gender equality.

The “National Conversation” in Chicago, hosted in partnership with Center on Halsted and the Chicago History Museum, will focus on the challenges to and future of civil and human rights for the LGBTQ community. The two-day event will feature panel discussions with national leaders, a performance by the Youth Empowerment Performance Project, and remarks by national figures including Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero and noted poet and author Richard Blanco.

Guests can register and view the most up-to-date schedule of events and speakers at: https://www.archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/conversations/lgbtq.

Space is limited. Credentialed members of the media interested in attending should email: katie.dixon@bromwichgroup.com.

The National Archives Foundation has created a new online portal where visitors can watch live, engage in discussions via social media, and view footage after the program concludes. Learn more at: AmendingAmerica.org.

WHO:

  • David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
  • Richard Blanco, noted poet and author
  • Modesto Tico Valle, CEO, Center on Halsted
  • Kim L. Hunt, Executive Director, Pride Action Tank and Chair, Out at Chicago History Museum Advisory Committee
  • Abbe Land, Executive Director & CEO, Trevor Project
  • Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director, Affinity Community Services
  • James L. Bennett, Midwest Regional Director, Lambda Legal
  • Tyrone Hanley, Policy Counsel, National Center for Lesbian Rights
  • Performance by Youth Empowerment Performance Project
  • Other LGBTQ activists, scholars, and elected officials from across the country

WHAT:
National Conversation on Rights and Justice: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ) Human Rights & Civil Rights

WHEN:
Friday, July 15, 2016, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT at Center on Halsted
Saturday, July 16, 2016, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT at the Chicago History Museum

WHERE:
Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

The “National Conversation on Rights and Justice” in Chicago is presented in part by AT&T, Ford Foundation, Seedlings Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, and the National Archives Foundation.

The first “National Conversation,” held in Atlanta, focused on civil rights and justice and featured a Q&A between former President Jimmy Carter and CEO of the National Civil and Human Rights Center Derreck Kayongo. Locations and topics for the remaining events are:

  • October: Women’s Rights and Gender Equality at the National Archives in New York City
  • November: Immigration: Barriers & Access at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles

The “National Conversation” series is running in conjunction with Amending America, open now in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The exhibition showcases both successful and unsuccessful attempts to amend the Constitution as part of the National Archives’ commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.

About the National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at www.archives.gov.

About the National Archives Foundation

The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at archivesfoundation.org.

About Center on Halsted

Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood. Learn more at centeronhalsted.org.

About the Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum stands at the crossroads of America’s past and its future. If you live in Chicago or visit here and are curious about the city’s past, present, and future, the Museum should be your first stop. The Chicago History Museum cares for, showcases, and interprets millions of authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history. For thirteen years, the museum has hosted “Out at CHM”, an annual slate of public programs examining LGBTQ history, which led to “Out in Chicago,” an award-winning exhibition presented in 2011 tracing the history of these communities in Chicago. Learn more at chicagohistory.org.