Join Samuel Freedman, an award-winning author, former New York Times columnist, and journalism professor at Columbia University, to discuss his latest book, Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights. Freedman takes a revisionist and riveting look at the American politician whom history judged a loser, yet who played a key part in the greatest social movement of the 20th century, the Civil Rights Movement.

Hubert Humphrey, at just 37 years of age and a relatively obscure mayor of the midsized city of Minneapolis, gave a speech to urge the Democratic party of America to “get out of the shadow of state’s rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.” Humphrey’s speech put everything on the line, rhetorically and politically, to move the party, and the country, forward.

To the surprise of many, including Humphrey himself, the delegates voted to adopt a meaningful civil-rights plank.

Celebrate one of the overlooked landmarks of civil rights history, and learn about the enduring legacy of the man who helped bring it about. Using Humphrey’s fight for civil rights, Freedman will draw parallels to today’s struggle against hate of all forms.

Add on $5 to a Nonmember ticket to visit Jewish Museum Milwaukee and experience Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. the night of the program. Members are welcome to visit for free!