An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago
This event is part of “Equity in Action: A Conversation Series,” a dynamic lineup of public events exploring the interlocking issues that define and shape our racial and economic realities. The Equity in Action series is presented with generous support from The Field Foundation.
Persistently high rates of gun violence in Chicago have had devastating ripple effects—lost lives, fractured families and communities, and hundreds of survivors forced to grapple with trauma that seemingly has no end. Join us for a conversation about Chicago’s gun violence, its reputation as the most dangerous American metropolis, and how this impacts the region’s black and brown neighborhoods. Award-winning author and journalist Alex Kotlowitz will join us to delve into his latest book, An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago, which chronicles one summer in Chicago and individuals who have emerged from gun violence and whose stories capture the capacity–and the breaking point–of the human heart and soul. Joining Alex in Conversation is Xavier Ramey, CEO of Justice Informed, a social impact consulting firm. Together, they will will explore initiatives working to combat gun violence, and why addressing this issue should be of urgent concern for us all.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. The program will begin at 5:30 p.m., with time to mingle before and after. The cost of the event is $15 for members of the general public and $12 for MPC Donors. Admission includes snacks, soft drinks, wine and beer. Space is limited, so please register in advance.
An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago will be available for sale. Book signing will be available from 6:30-7pm.
If you have any additional questions or need special accommodations, please contact us at events@metroplanning.org.
“Equity in Action” Conversation Series
Aided by more than 100 advisors, the Metropolitan Planning Council, in May 2018, released a roadmap for a more racially equitable Chicago region. As we continue working closely with partners to implement the two dozen recommendations in the roadmap, we reflect on one of our biggest learnings from this journey: the value of creating and elevating public dialogue on the interlocking issues that define and shape our racial and economic realities. MPC and partners present Equity in Action: A Conversation Series—a dynamic lineup of public events to celebrate progress, examine issues, and hold ourselves accountable for advancing the change that’s needed. For more information, click here. The Equity in Action series is presented with generous support from The Field Foundation.
Event Partners
About Justice Informed
Justice Informed LLC is a social impact consulting firm with four strategic service areas: diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); community engagement; public policy-informed corporate social responsibility; and equity-focused philanthropy. With its historical lens and accountable approach, Justice Informed builds customized, human-centered strategies that increase the positive workplace and community impact of our clients. We work with corporations, nonprofits, activism groups, universities, startups, government offices, and philanthropic organizations, and more.
About City Lit Books
City Lit Books is an independent bookstore located in Logan Square. Since opening in August 2012, City Lit Books has quickly become a literary hot spot thanks to its well-curated selections of fiction, non-fiction, science fiction and children’s books along with its rotating calendar of events.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities for this conversation series and specific event are available!
For more information, contact:
Janet Myers
Vice President of Philanthropy
jmyers@metroplanning.org
312.863.6010
Thanks to our beer sponsor for tonight’s event:
