National Underground Railroad Freedom Center speaker series to ‘turn dialogue into action’

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced a new speaker series to turn injustice into dialogue and dialogue into action. The Nathaniel R. Jones Freedom Speaker Series will feature authors, activists, journalists, artists, musicians and dancers whose perspective and activism can be catalysts for change. The series kicks off Thursday, September 26 with The Power of the Vote, featuring journalist George Chidi.

The Nathaniel R. Jones Freedom Speaker Series, supported by Francie and John Pepper, presents authors, creators and thought leaders in conversation on themes including race, identity, abolition and social justice. Named for and inspired by legendary social justice leader Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, the series addresses issues that must be overcome in the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.

“This series is inspired by my friend Judge Jones, who spent his career as an esteemed jurist and humanitarian courageously addressing issues of social and racial justice and identifying how the gaps that continue to exist can be overcome by us all,” said John Pepper.

The inaugural program features a keynote on the power of the vote and voter engagement with political journalist George Chidi, followed by a moderated discussion with Jenn Dye, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging and Theodore M. Berry Director of the University of Cincinnati’s Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice.

As citizens prepare for an election season with generational impacts in executive, legislative and judicial branches at the national, state and local levels, Chidi sees a fundamental shift in the direct impact elections have in people’s lives. He will explore this shift in the Power of the Vote program, and the importance of engaged, civic-minded individuals on the days after Election Day. Regardless of the election’s outcome, there will be those ready to reject democracy in America in disruptive, even violent ways. This was the case at local levels as some individuals reacted to desegregation in the 1950s, and at the national level following the 2020 presidential election. How can individuals see, identify and resist efforts to defy election results and the democratic process?

Recognizing the importance of voter engagement, the Freedom Center is engaging partners to help attendees register to vote, check their voting status and learn about early voting opportunities and locations.

Future programs will reflect on moments in history that continue to inspire today, with collaborative discussions that not only identify the challenges ahead but propose paths forward.

Each program will be presented live at the Freedom Center and also available virtually via livestream.

January 9, 2025 – Facing Racism Today
February 20, 2025 – Jazz Transforming America: A History in Music
March 27, 2025 – Reflecting on Bloody Sunday 1965

“The threats to justice today are not ones we can face alone, but that we must collaboratively assess, organize against and overcome, together,” said Woodrow Keown, Jr., president & COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “Following the lead of our dear friend Judge Jones, we are energized by the opportunity to provide a platform to some of the nation’s leading activists in the cause of freedom today.”

Each program is free for Freedom Center Members and $10 for general attendance and will include a reception with light food and beverage.

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