Sherrilyn Ifill, Lawrence Lessig, Bill T. Jones, Alicia Hall Moran, & Matt Acheson
Contents Under Pressure: Democracy In Crisis
OPENING KEYNOTE CONVERSATION
Democracy is “the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” – Winston Churchill.
Liberal Democracy has always been tested, but today the threats seem especially serious and the stakes higher than before – particularly in America, the birthplace of modern freedoms. Can our system of government withstand the postmodern pressures of relentless media, corporate ambitions, political upheaval, and a purposefully divided electorate? Or is the Democratic Ideal itself too fragile to survive without fundamental change? Join Sherrilyn Ifill and Professor Lawrence Lessig in conversation with Bill T. Jones on the implications of our present moment, and the risks and opportunities for change.
Opening performance by mezzo-soprano vocal artist Alicia Hall Moran with artist and puppeteer Matt Acheson.
Professor Lawrence Lessig | Roy L. Furman Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and the former director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University
Sherrilyn Ifill | President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
