Workshop and Film Screening: "Forging New Tomorrows — Political Change in the United States"

The act of public protest (or, as considered in some instances, civil disobedience) has been a time-honored tradition in the United States and historically has proved both honorable and contentious. Yet, throughout the history of the U.S., laws have been created to ensure the right to protest when a situation appears unjust. This all day program will begin with a panel discussion/workshop with leading state and local officials who will address how one can promote change in his or her community. A film screening of the Freedom Archives’ documentary COINTELPRO 101 will follow.

Protest: Making the System Work

2:00 – 4:00 PM

The first workshop focuses on how to create change in your community through activism. Tony Mendoza, Assembly Representative of the 56th District of California, former Long Beach 7th dist. Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga, and representatives from the Legal Aid Foundation will address the following: working within the system in California, available resources, protests, and the rights and responsibilities of community activists.

Screening of COINTELPRO 101 and Panel Discussion

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) conducted covert surveillance and infiltration of various groups associated with civil rights movements emerging during those decades. These initiatives were conducted under COINTELPRO, an acronym for Counter Intelligence Program. In the mid-1970s, a US Senate committee chaired by Democratic Senator Frank Church of Idaho conducted a massive investigation of the CIA’s and FBI’s misuse of power at home and abroad. The multi-year investigation examined domestic spying, the CIA’s attempts to assassinate foreign leaders, the FBI’s and CIA’s efforts to infiltrate and disrupt leftist organizations, and much more. The documentary will explain the history of the COINTELPRO operations and the consequences experienced by groups advocating for social change. After the film screening, panelists will discuss the impact of COINTELPRO on organizations as well as on activists and their activities.

For further information, please contact the University Art Museum at 562. 985.5761 or visit the event’s webpage.

This is part of the B-Word Project.