Alexandria Forum: Exploring Civil Rights in Alexandria
Symposium on the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act to Reflect on Civil Rights History and Its Modern Impact

On Friday, October 18, 2024, Historic Alexandria will host the Alexandria Forum. This day-long symposium focuses on the interpretation of civil rights history and its relevance today. Taking place at the Virginia Theological Seminary’s Lettie Pate Whitehead Room (3737 Seminary Rd.), this year's event will explore how to better engage audiences in truth-telling and racial reconciliation.

Timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Forum will delve into the evolution of civil rights in Alexandria and beyond, reflecting on the powerful legacy of the American Revolution in Virginia – a Revolution of Ideas that continues to shape the struggle for equality and justice.

Highlights of the symposium include:

• Keynote Address: Dr. Krystyn Moon, Professor at the University of Mary Washington, will present "Housing Activism in Mid-Twentieth Century Alexandria," a critical examination of local housing activism efforts that shaped the city’s landscape.
• Lectures, Short Films, and Panel Discussion: Throughout the day, attendees will engage with a variety of lectures and short films highlighting ongoing research into Alexandria’s civil rights history. The event will culminate in a panel discussion with scholars and activists focused on promoting historical truth and fostering racial healing.
• Networking Opportunities: The day will conclude with a networking happy hour at 4:30 p.m., offering participants the chance to connect with fellow attendees and speakers.

The Alexandria Forum will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a continental breakfast and boxed lunches provided. Tickets for the event are $65, with a discounted rate of $45 for Historic Alexandria members and students.

Tickets can be purchased online.

For additional information and to secure your spot, please visit Historic Alexandria’s website www.alexandriava.gov/Historic.

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For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria:

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serves as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.

Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria’s 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.