Registration now open for UMD Libraries’ Living Democracy Symposium on October 10

Registration is now open for the UMD Libraries’ Living Democracy Symposium on Thursday, October 10. A one-day interdisciplinary event examining actions that all of us can take to preserve our democracy, the symposium will take place in the Stamp Student Union from  8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event is free, open to the public, and will provide opportunities for civic discourse, sharing of new perspectives, and learning about the ways that our collective history, ranging from the Watergate scandal to more contemporary narratives, informs our present and future.

Get ready for a day of exciting speakers and panel discussions as we examine the importance of civic engagement, activism, intellectual and academic freedom, and journalism in protecting our democratic way of life.

Meet the Keynote Speakers

Op-Ed Columnist for The New York Times, bestselling author, and MSNBC Analyst, Charles M. Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. His award-winning memoir "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" was adapted into a critically-acclaimed opera with a groundbreaking run at The Metropolitan Opera. His second book, "The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto," draws on both his personal experience and observations of society to call for an end to systemic racism. Heralded for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives with compelling visuals, Blow is also an in-demand speaker and gifted moderator. With appearances on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” SalonTV, CBS News, and others, Blow is a prolific and insightful commentator on politics, public opinion, and social justice, often challenging those in power with clarity and candor.

On January 6, 2021, Harry Dunn was one of the brave officers who protected the country as a mob of insurrectionists attacked the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the presidential election. In 2021, Harry Dunn and three other law enforcement officers testified before the bipartisan January 6th Commission, where he shared his harrowing account of what he experienced that day. Dunn served with the Capitol Police for 15 years, providing security for scores of major events at the Capitol, serving as a Crisis Intervention Officer and a member of Capitol Police Crisis Negotiation Teams, and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Capitol Police force. He has received several accolades for his exemplary service, including the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden in recognition for his role protecting the U.S. Capitol on January 6. He recently published his New York Times bestselling memoir, "Standing My Ground," and in January 2024, he announced his candidacy for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District.

The symposium is made possible by a generous gift from the Ilona Modly Hogan Legacy Fund. Learn more and register.