Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and CivicCLP are excited to announce our 2021 speaker series!
The CivicCLP Speaker Series features a diverse group of speakers who will inspire, excite and challenge the community with fresh ideas and perspectives on the First Amendment, social and racial justice, news and information literacy, politics and more. Our goal is for these unique presentations to help deepen discussions and inspire actionable steps on a local level for issues with a global relevance.
The 2021 speaker series will take place virtually. All of the events are free and open to the community. See below for registration details.
The Power of Story and Representation:
An Intimate Discussion with Bofta Yimam and Brian Cook
Thursday, June 17, 2021 | 4:00-5:00 PM EST
In this dynamic discussion, learn the power of embracing your story and the importance of storytelling – no matter your niche. Our guest speakers will also discuss the importance of investigative journalism during a time of increasing polarization and political divides, and how this fast-paced evolving news landscape has raised awareness on biases and inequity of representation.
Join us for an honest and intimate conversation with award-winning journalists, Bofta Yimam and Brian Cook, as they discuss the journeys they have taken to owning their own stories while in the news industry.
Banned: How Censorship Impacts the First Amendment
Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 4:00-5:00 PM EST
Freedom Forum fellow for First Amendment, Lata Nott, will share her expertise on how censorship and suppression impacts our First Amendment rights on social media, in schools and through voting rights. Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom and Executive Director of Freedom to Read Foundation, will join the conversation to share her expertise on why Banned Books Week is more than just a seven-day event, as well as spotlighting the ways that the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom works to fight literary censorship on a daily basis.
The Power of Positive Human Interaction with Ken Nwadike Jr.
Thursday, October 14, 2021 | 3:00-4:00 PM EST
In this fun, creative and interactive webinar, Ken Nwadike Jr. brings his “Free Hugs Project” to engage participants in conversations of understanding and compassion amidst the rising tide of hatred and racism. Ken explores the power of positive human interaction and ways to bridge the racial divide by spreading love. The goal of this program is to create unity, civility, and build a more diverse and inclusive culture within the community.