News Article

National Archives Hosts National Conversation on Rights and Justice: LGBTQ Human & Civil Rights in Chicago

July 15, 2016

The National Archives kicked off the second in its “National Conversations” series today in Chicago, in partnership with Center on Halsted and the Chicago History Museum.

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. Chicago’s two-day event focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) human & civil rights, and features 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.

With the recent attack in Orlando, as well as President Obama’s designation of the first national monument honoring LGBTQ history at Stonewall Inn, the time to talk about how far we’ve come and where we have left to go has never been more critical. Mr. Blanco has written a powerful new work – “One Pulse – One Poem” – on the subject of the killings at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

“The recent tragedy in Orlando underscores the importance of this event. It reminds us that just one year after legalization of same-sex marriage, the LGBTQ fight for human and civil rights continues. While there have been historic strides, it is obvious that there is still much work to be done to make this a more perfect union,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “This year marks the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. This founding document is the focus of a new exhibit titled Amending America that highlights the remarkably American story of how we have amended, or attempted to amend, the Constitution in order to form ‘a more perfect union. The Bill of Rights remains closely connected to the biggest issues of today–and to each of our citizens. Through our “National Conversation” series, we invite Americans to explore contemporary issues, and to both address and discuss the challenge between individual rights and collective responsibilities.”

The National Archives Foundation has created a new online portal where visitors can watch a livestream of the event and engage in discussions via social media. Follow the event using #RightsAndJustice and learn more at: AmendingAmerica.org.

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

“Through the past 140 years, AT&T has evolved alongside the history of our nation, and our company’s story – much like our nation’s – is one of passion, of innovation and of people committed to making things better,” said Paul La Schiazza, AT&T Illinois President. “AT&T has a proud history of promoting diversity and inclusion, and that’s why we are especially excited to host the Chicago Conversation on LGBTQ Human and Civil Rights as part of the Amending America nationwide tour.”

Modesto Tico Valle, Chief Executive Officer of Center on Halsted, joined Jane Markham, Vice President of AT&T’s Northeast Public Affairs, and Jim Gardner, Executive for Legislative Archives, Presidential Libraries, and Museum Services for the National Archives, in providing opening remarks during today’s program.

The remarks were followed by a performance by the Youth Empowerment Performance Project entitled “Making it Home,” and a panel discussion with the performers.

Tomorrow, Kim L. Hunt, Executive Director of Pride Action Tank and Chair of Out at Chicago History Museum Advisory Committee; Ambassador Fay Hartog Levin, a member of the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors; and Mario Camacho, President of LEAGUE at AT&T, will join Mr. Ferriero in providing opening remarks.

Richard Blanco, the award-winning fifth inaugural poet in American history, will provide a keynote address, followed by three panels:

The first panel exploring legal issues, entitled “The Issues Before Us – Part One,” will be moderated by Mary Morten, of The Morten Group, and include panelists James Bennett, Lambda Legal; Tyrone Hanley, Center for Lesbian Rights; Dale Carpenter, SMU Dedman School of Law; and Naomi Goldberg, Movement Advancement Project.

A second panel exploring socio-economic issues, entitled “The Issues Before Us – Part Two,” will again be moderated by Ms. Morten and include panelists Abbe Land, The Trevor Project; Imani Rupert-Gordon, Affinity Community Services; Myles Alexander Brady-Davis, Howard Brown Health; and Naomi Goldberg, Movement Advancement Project.

The third and final panel, entitled “Issues Affecting Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming People,” will be moderated by Precious Davis, of Columbia College Chicago, and include panelists Owen Daniel-McCarter, Illinois Safe Schools Alliance; and Sarah McBride, Human Rights Campaign 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. The archived livestream is available at: https://www.archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/conversations/civil-rights.

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.

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For media inquiries, please contact: Katie Dixon at: katie.dixon@bromwichgroup.com.