United, States, America: Three Problematic Concepts
“Wokeshops” for Informed Participation

Learn from thought leaders how to become a more informed and engaged participant in America’s democracy.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is compelled to present United, States, America: Three Problematic Concepts, “Wokeshops” for Informed Participation, a weekend-long series of conversations and wake-up calls.

These “wokeshops” offer a toolkit for the citizen, immigrant, parent, student, artist, refugee, teacher, and activist. They provide information needed right now to engage our challenging times. Experts in politics, economics, law, and journalism will share the depth and breadth of what they know, what they have seen, and what they do. Learn concrete examples and fanciful imaginings of how one might behave in this uncanny America. Exchange plans and promises, and devise pertinent, actionable strategies to address the current state of America’s democracy.

Attend one or all of the events. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited.

Friday, March 31
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Keynote: Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

Saturday, April 1
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Checks and Balancing Acts: Consensus, Constitutionality, Rule of Law

Panel Chair:
Mary Patten
Panelists:
Craig Futterman, Founder of the Civil Rights and Police Accountability Project at the University of Chicago Law School
K-Sue Park, Attorney and Research Scholar affiliated with the University of New Mexico
Ameya Pawar, Alderman of Chicago’s 47th ward
Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois
SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

1:30–3:20 p.m.
Screening: I Am Not Your Negro, Director Raoul Peck (2016)
Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.

*Students, faculty, and staff can present a valid SAIC ID at the Gene Siskel Film Center box office to receive one $5 ticket at the SAIC rate. On a first come first served basis, attendees to USA Wokeshops on Saturday, April 1 will receive a discount voucher for one $6 ticket to be purchased day-of at the box office. Limited tickets are available.*

4:00–6:30 p.m.
Origins of the Present Crisis: Race, Gender, Religion

Panel Chair:
Rashalya Brown
Panelists:
Michael Dawson, Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture at the University of Chicago
Katherine Franke, Sulzbacher Professor of Law at Columbia Law School
Ronak Kapadia, Assistant Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago
SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

Sunday, April 2
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
It’s the Stupid Economy, Stupid

Panel Chair:
Oliver Sann
Panelists:
Phil Ashton, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Policy at University of Illinois at Chicago
Leigh Claire La Berge, Assistant Professor of English at the City University of New York, Borough of Manhattan Community College
June Lapidus, Associate Professor of Economics at Roosevelt University
Caroline Woolard, New York-based artist
SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

1:30–4:00 p.m.
I Tweeted the News Today. Sad.

Panel Chair:
Dushko Petrovich
Panelists:
Jack Doppelt, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Professor of Journalism at Medill
Dushko Petrovich
Margaret Holt, Standards Editor of the Chicago Tribune
Aric Toler, Lead Contributor on Eastern Europe/Eurasia for Bellingcat
SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

The views and opinions expressed in this event are the presenters’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Tags: Ameya Pawar, Aric Toler, Caroline Woolard, Chicago, Craig Futterman, Dushko Petrovich, Ed Yohnka, Jack Doppelt, June Lapidus, Katherine Franke, Keeanga Yamahtta Taylor, Leigh Claire La Berge, liver Sann, Loop, Margaret Holt, Mary Patten, Michael Dawson, Phil Ashton, Rashalya Brown, Ronak Kapadia, SAIC MacLean Ballroom, United States America: Three Problematic Concepts