The First Amendment prohibits the government from abridging “the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” This basic freedom ensures the right of people to come together and collectively express, promote, pursue, and defend their collective or shared ideas. When and how have people engaged in protest? Who has engaged in protest? What is civil disobedience? Does everyone have the same right to assemble? In recent days the brutal murders of African Americans by the police has sparked widespread protest across the U.S. and even abroad. How do we balance public safety and human rights? How do race, power and class impact access to free speech and the right to assemble? Participants will explore these questions in a safe, interactive discussion.

Virtual Event — For more information, please contact Missy Shackelford, Office Administrator, Arizona Humanities, 602-257-0335, mshackelford@azhumanities.org.