In April 1963, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was jailed for participating in nonviolent demonstrations against segregation, eight white clergymen, sympathetic to the Civil Rights cause, issued a public statement discouraging protests. They argued that change needed to take place through the courts and legal system rather than in public dissent. Dr. King’s response was the powerful “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”

Join SpeakOut to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Day as we host Dr. David Pilgrim to discuss King’s discourse that challenged white moderates 57 years ago and how his message still resonates today. Dr. Pilgrim will explore the historical context of the letter and its relevance amidst the rise of white supremacist organizing and violence around the country.

Dr. David Pilgrim is best known as the founder and Director of the Jim Crow Museum, the nation’s largest, publicly accessible collection of more than 20,000 racist objects, located at Ferris State University where he serves as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. His books include Understanding Jim Crow: Using Racist Memorabilia to Teach Tolerance and Promote Social Justice, which explains the museum’s vision and work, and how the objects are used as tools to teach about race, race relations, and racism.

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For inquiries about bringing Dr. David Pilgrim to your campus or community, contact info@speakoutnow.org.

For Group Sales, contact programs@speakoutnow.org

TICKETS ARE SLIDING SCALE $5 - $30 to benefit SpeakOut's ongoing educational work.

All who register will receive a link to watch live or later at their own convenience.

ASL interpreted. English captioning will be provided.