This is What Democracy Looks Like (PART 2)

Overview

Two Part Series Offered Select Sundays and Wednesdays in February

A two-part talk on the history of civic action and protest in Minnesota.

Civic engagement and activism can take many forms. In light of recent protests, and as the nation reflects this year on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is important to consider what methods Minnesotans have used to push for equality, democracy, and freedom here at home. From court cases and strikes to artwork and education, this two-part series explores different modes of civic action that Minnesotans have used in the past to drive change across our state and beyond.

PART TWO of this series will look at the history of collective action in Minnesota and the ways in which communities have banded together to bring about needed change towards democracy, equality, and freedom. Collective action discussed will include the Grange Movement that spread to rural farming communities across the country, suffragettes organizing boycotts, the American Indian Movement developing survival schools, or more recent protests around the killing of George Floyd, Renee Good and others. The Iron Range Strikes, General Strike of 1934, Wilmar 8, and other labor protests will also be briefly discussed. Space is limited. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales go to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

Karen Sieber is a civil rights historian and professor of public history based in St. Paul, MN. Her work is included in AP African American Studies curriculum nationally, and has been featured by the Library of Congress, American Historical Association National Archives, Labor and Working Class History Association, Minnesota Historical Society, Smithsonian, PBS, and others.