Noted 1960s activist Michael Gordon James has agreed to take part in a panel discussion on the 1960s being hosted by the 2nd Act Players as part of its first-ever silent auction-fundraiser evening Sept. 10.
The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at 2nd act Players’ sponsor Creative Coworking in downtown Evanston.
“We want to give our donors something more than wine and cheese,” explains 2nd Act Creative Director and Cofounder John N. Frank. “Our fall play, The Institute, focuses on four young men attending military school during the height of the Vietnam War and the choices they faced.
“This panel discussion will set the scene for what those times were like for our audience members too young to have lived through them and bring those of us who were there back in time to remember those days.”
Frank will moderate the panel which also is reaching out to secure a Vietnam veteran member and a historian of the era.
James has taught classes on activism at DePaul University and a course entitled Organizing for Social Change at Columbia College.
He was a national officer of the Students for a Democratic Society, which vigorously opposed the Vietnam War. James was amidst the many protesters at the infamous 1968 Democratic Party convention in Chicago.
Cofounder of Chicago’s Heartland Cafe, James also is a noted photographer and blogger.
“We’ve reached out to other potential guests and hope to be announcing acceptances shortly,” says Frank.
The evening will feature a range of silent auction items from 2nd Act sponsors along with wine, cheese and other munchies for guests. Posters for The Institute also will be available for a minimum $50 donation.
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