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Ford Hall Forum

The Ford Hall Forum is the nation's oldest continuously operating free public lecture series. Its mission is to foster an informed and effective citizenry and to promote freedom of speech through the public presentation of lectures, debates, and discussions. Forum events illuminate the key issues facing our society by bringing to its podium knowledgeable and thought-provoking speakers. These speakers are presented in person, for free, and in settings, which facilitate frank and open debate.

http://www.fordhallforum.org/

Preserving the Democratic Process: Elections Security

Wed, Jan 4, 2023

As the inaugural speaker, Kathy Boockvar, President, Athena Strategies, LLC and Former Secretary of State, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shares her own story of a career devoted to election administration and security. She explains the ways in which “stealing an election” is not possible and makes a compelling case for the vital importance of strengthening civic engagement to the health of democracy. The Washington Center hosts the Inside Washington Seminar each year, which brings students and faculty from all over the country together to examine the most pressing issues facing the nation, engage with elected officials, practitioners, thought leaders and one another. This episode is part of a series done in partnership with The Washington Center, Ford Hall Forum, Suffolk University Political Science and Legal Studies Department.

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Framing The Issues

Wed, Jan 4, 2023

The Washington Center hosts the Inside Washington Seminar each year, which brings together students and faculty from all over the country to examine the most pressing issues facing the nation, engage with elected officials, practitioners, thought leaders and one another. This year, Inside Washington is opening its doors to a broader audience by filming and publishing some of the talks from the opening day’s plenary session. Listen to the introductory remarks by Dr. Scott McLean of Quinnipiac University, as he frames the debate over the health of American democracy and what the outcome of the 2022 midterms told us about the state of our institutions. This episode is part of a series done in partnership with GBH Forum Network, The Washington Center, Ford Hall Forum, Suffolk University Political Science and Legal Studies Department.

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Tea Leaves: What does the present tell us about the future of youth voting?

Mon, Nov 28, 2022

With the 2022 midterms in the rearview mirror, we look at the results to help us understand what is to come. What role did the threat to the stability of American democracy play for young voters? What about the urban/rural divide? And issues like abortion? The anticipated “red wave” didn’t materialize and President Biden’s low approval ratings were de-linked from voting intensity; especially among young voters, who appeared motivated by policy questions. Incumbent senators, governors and House members overwhelmingly won re-election. Biden beat the “midterm curse” and in key races, the youth vote was critical. What are top things to watch for in 2023? Join us as we hear from a political strategist, a turnout expert, young people, activists and officeholders, from across the political and geographic spectrum to examine what happened, why it matters, and what the implications may be.

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Our Issues, Our Voices, Our Votes: Youth Civic Participation Today

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Skin in the game: Turning Engagement into Votes

Tue, Nov 1, 2022

Gen-Z’s civic engagement is loud, visible on the streets and viral on social media. They are engaged, worried about big issues and increasingly discontent with incremental or no progress in addressing them. The question is whether this energy will translate into votes? How do advocacy groups and political parties recruit young people? Some use aggressive tactics and build on anger. Some tap into passion for an issue or partisan identity. Others stay above the fray and appeal to a sense of civic responsibility and extol the power of voting. Who’s listening to all these different messages and why? No matter the rate at which young people turn out to the polls, they will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2022 midterms. Join our panelists as we discuss the methods being used to engage young people and harness their power, while at the same time fostering a healthy civic culture.

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Our Issues, Our Voices, Our Votes: Youth Civic Participation Today

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Misogyny at the Times of the Salem Witch Trials: Lessons Learned and Forgotten

Thu, Oct 27, 2022

There have been many changes in the 330 years since the Salem Witch Trial. Author and witch scholar Marilynne Roach, Bobbi Van Gilder, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Suffolk University, and Playwrights Michael Cormier & Myriam Cyr, look at how the justice system failed the accused women in Salem. They discuss how a justice system, created by men, has treated women throughout our history and how gender continues to impact the rights of women in America. Note, This talk followed a dramatic reading of the new play, Saltonstall’s Trial: The Untold Story of the Salem Witch Trials. Photo credit: Pexels.com

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Lighting the fire: What motivates young activists?

Wed, Oct 19, 2022

What brings young people to the streets, engage in advocacy, and go to the voting booth? Despite widespread disillusionment with “establishment politics” and skepticism about the power to make change, increasing numbers of young organizers and activists are making their voices heard. Some tactics are familiar to traditional campaigns, but some tactics are innovative and fresh. We’ll sit down with some of these young leaders to hear their stories about what motivates them to action and explore some of the tactics and strategies they are branding with their unique generational stamp. Join us!

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Our Issues, Our Voices, Our Votes: Youth Civic Participation Today

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Youth Civic Participation: More Than Just Voting

Tue, Oct 4, 2022

Historically one of the groups of voters who do not turn out are young people. This holds true across partisan, regional, religious and other differences. Our first discussion examines the reasons why there is low voter turnout and considers other forms of participation. How do Millenials and Gen Z’ers see their civic role in their communities? How are they reimagining and reshaping what it means to be involved and engaged? We take a deep dive to examine youth engagement in public affairs. Join the conversation with Milos Gringlas, Associatem Generation Citizen, Nancy Thomas, Director of the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Mia Payne, Peer Facilitator at YVote and Syeeda Rahman, Suffolk University Political Science Student. The conversation will be moderated by Katie Lannan, GBH News State House reporter.

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Our Issues, Our Voices, Our Votes: Youth Civic Participation Today

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The Decline of Local News and the Rise of Polarization

Thu, Sep 29, 2022

Local journalism is in crisis. Community newspapers are folding and those that remain struggle to devote resources to reporting on local issues. Meanwhile political polarization is growing and local issues are increasingly viewed through the lens of national politics and partisanship. This year’s Masterman Speaker Series will examine the relationship between the decline of local news and the rise of polarization, as well as the effect this decline has had on government accountability and democracy more generally. The discussion will also consider models for strengthening and reimagining local journalism in the years ahead. With : * Joshua P. Darr, associate professor of political communication in the Manship School of Mass Communication and Department of Political Science at Louisiana State University * Renée Loth, opinion columnist for The Boston Globe * Charles St. Amand, Vice-President of the New England Society of News Editors’ Board of Governors * Dan Kennedy, Professor in the School of Journalism at Northeastern University (moderator) ### About the Masterman Speaker Series Some of the most polarizing and provocative issues of our time involve matters rooted in the First Amendment. Edward I. Masterman, JD ‘50, LLD ‘90 and his wife Sydell, established the Masterman Speaker Series on the First Amendment and the Fourth Estate to provide a forum for robust debate and exchange of ideas on freedom of the press and its attendant responsibilities. The Speaker Series brings together representatives from government, the legal profession, and the press for the purposes of informing, educating, and engaging those who care deeply about these issues.

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Creating Success Through Building a Diverse Arts Community

Thu, Jun 9, 2022

In this evening of conversation, Karen Brooks Hopkins, president emerita, Brooklyn Academy of Music will discuss her 36 years at the world-famous cultural institution. A page-turning look behind the scenes of America’s oldest performing arts center, BAM … and Then It Hit Me is filled with stories and photographs of artists and icons—Princess Diana, Ingmar Bergman, Chuck Davis, David Byrne, LL Cool J, among others—along with hands-on practical advice on fundraising and leadership. The book is a paean to the glory of the arts and the evolution of Brooklyn: in Karen’s words, “the coolest neighborhood on the planet.” Through personal stories and raw reflections, tales of glamour and of grit, Karen looks back upon her career’s twists of fate, the total failures, and great triumphs along the way. Hopkins’s view of arts as a critical driver for the post-pandemic economy and her emphasis on diverse partnerships could be a blueprint for Boston and beyond. This evening’s conversation is moderated by Myriam Cyr, artistic director, Puntuate4 with a special introduction by Kelvin Dinkins, Jr., executive director, American Repertory Theater, (A.R.T.), Harvard University.

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Deliberate and Unafraid: Examining the Plight of the Black Woman Cultural Critic

Thu, May 12, 2022

As cultural criticism becomes more valuable than ever, marginalized writers are still routinely pushed to the sidelines and no one is more ostracized than the Black woman critic. But what happens when they manage to find the courage to write–and ultimately find success–anyway? Join award-winning Boston Globe cultural columnist Jeneé Osterheldt as she moderates a discussion among journalist Clarissa Brooks, writer, cultural critic, and community organizer, Erica Campbell, News Editor at NME, and Candace McDuffie, journalist and cultural critic, as they explore this topic in depth. ### Resources Books that inspired Clarissa: [Misogynoir](https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/misogynoir-transformed-black-womens-digital-resistance_moya-bailey/27142551/item/47825335/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4PKTBhD8ARIsAHChzRKoOuoT1rUk2vypC1Uu6z19R7vIcZSeLWUexSs_NzNoS7hDoMDKaxYaApt5EALw_wcB#idiq=47825335&edition=58138873) - ['Glitch Feminism'](https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/glitch-feminism-a-manifesto/26138950/item/41838276/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4PKTBhD8ARIsAHChzRKFWg5GKAzFraqNEkLWiHA6D2xUGLWLIl9cEZ42DEfrM7baCn2J_XoaAi2TEALw_wcB#isbn=1786632667&idiq=41838276) [Jia Tolentino on what happens when life is an endless performance](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jia-tolentino-on-what-happens-when-life-is-endless/id1081584611?i=1000447807714) [The Guardian: The journalist as influencer: how we sell ourselves on social media](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/oct/20/caroline-calloway-writers-journalists-social-media-influencers) [Black Criticism Is Always Good — Especially When Black Art Isn’t](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/05/10463837/black-criticism-important-them-series-backlash) [NY Times: The Vitality of Black Criticism](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/07/arts/music/black-critics-pop-conference.html) [What Happens When the Line Between Hip-Hop Journalist & Online Personality Becomes Blurry?](https://www.okayplayer.com/culture/no-jumper-dj-akademiks-hip-hop-journalist-2018.html)

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