Issues of race and gender are at the center of this historic race for the White House between potential Democratic presidential nominees Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton. The desire for change and the opportunity to elect the first African American or female president is mobilizing voters to participate in the election process in greater numbers than we’ve seen in decades. 

Listen in for an engaging conversation with scholars, activists, and youth organizers who explore the nuances of the race vs. gender debate and the politics of social change. The candidacies of Clinton and Obama have caused political commentators and the media to ask if racism or sexism is more prevalent today. But is this the right question to be asking? With all the talk of “change” coming from the presidential candidates, will this election actually bring about change? How can we move beyond rhetoric and dig deeper to seek peace, justice, and a better world?

Panelists include: Mia Henry, Director, Chicago Freedom School; Miriam Martinez, Youth Innovation Fund Coordinator, Mikva Challenge; Barbara Ransby, Associate Professor of History and African-American Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, and author of Ella Baker & the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision; James Thindwa, Executive Director, Chicago Jobs with Justice; and Cassandra West, Director of Communications, Chicago Foundation for Women.

Recorded Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at Chicago Cultural Center.