Starting Date: 04-22-2005 Starting Time: 5:30pm Ending Date: 04-24-2005 YWCA Duluth Duluth, Minnesota 55803 United StatesFree Democracy Summit: A Weekend of Art, Inspiration and Education
Duluth's second annual Free Democracy Summit (April 22-24) seeks to address this question among many others. Organized by the University of Minnesota Duluth's chapter of the Minnesota Public Interest Group (MPIRG), the summit sets out to explore and inspire citizen participation in American Democracy and grassroots activism.
This years Summit is focused on interpreting Thomas Jefferson's famous phrase: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means to individual citizens. For instance, if “life” is an inalienable right then doesn't that mean we are all entitled to adequate healthcare?
The weekend is broken up into three aspects: art, education and inspiration. Artists from around Minnesota have submitted politically charged art to inspire thought and conversation. Our panel discussions are the key to the weekend. We have topics ranging from Christianity in democracy to alternative healthcare. And finally, our keynote speakers are meant to inspire.
The Free Democracy Summit will be kicked off on Friday April 22 at the Duluth YWCA (202 W. 2nd St., Duluth). Starting at 5:30 pm, the FDS opening ceremonies will feature inspiring speakers. Award-winning African American poet, dramatist, performer, and researcher Dr. Mary E. Weems and Dr. Steven Miles, Minnesota Monthly's Minnesotan of the year and the first person to document military health care workers' involvement in the tortures of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay detainees are both scheduled to speak. In addition, Mark Ritchie, executive director of the institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis will be speaking. Dinner will also be served. On Friday night, bands will be playing the Brewhouse, The Red Star, RT’s and The Tap Room. For complete music schedule check out www.freedemocraysummit.org.
On Saturday, panel discussions will be held from 9am to 4pm at Harbor City International School (332 W. Michigan St.). Discussion topics will include many issues including but not limited to same sex marriage, homelessness, US foreign policy and issues in the media. For a complete listing of panel discussions check out www.freedemocracysummit.org. A gallery of politically charged art will be on display starting at 12:00 pm. In addition there will be a Film festival at 7:15 pm.
After the panel discussions a street festival will be held on Superior Street. The Hillside Flyers are set to perform acrobatic feats and Jim Hightower, former Texas secretary of agriculture and a New York Times best selling author, will deliver the Free Democracy Summit keynote address. Jim Hightower will also be appearing at 7:30 pm at Chester Creek Café for a dinner and meet & greet. On Saturday night, bands will be playing the Brewhouse, Red Star, RT’s and Sir Ben’s. For complete music schedule check out www.freedemocraysummit.org.
Much is also planned for Sunday. An interfaith service will be held at 10:00 am at The Harbor City International School followed by the People’s Brunch at 11:00 am. At 1:00 pm workshops and activist trainings will be held at the Harbor City School. Finally starting at 9:00 pm bands will be playing the Brewhouse, the Northshore Theater, the Tap Room and Red Star.
For a complete listing of all the weekend events check out the FDS website at www.freedemocracysummit.org.
Geographical Scope: Metro Other |
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