Public Talk: "Wrongfully Convicted: Organizing a Campaign for Justice"

1949 Campus Drive,Evanston IL 60208

12 November, 2021

Description

A conversation with the Freedom First jazz musicians and campaign organizers for Justice for Keith LaMar What is Freedom First? Freedom First is a concert series that began in summer of 2020 on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan shortly after the murder of George Floyd, and at a time the country was shut down due to Covid. The brainchild of Brooklyn-based pianist/composer, Albert Marquès, the aim of Freedom First has been to raise public awareness around another grave injustice happening in our names to a Black man named Keith LaMar, and to build support to help him fight for his life while we yet can... Keith is still breathing. Let's not wait for him to become a hashtag. Who is Keith LaMar? Keith LaMar is a wrongfully-convicted Black man who faces execution in just two short years for crimes he can prove he did not commit—the date has been set for November 16, 2023. Learn more about Keith's story at: www.keithlamar.org What is the focus of the event on Friday, Nov. 12th? Friday's event provides an opportunity for folks with an interest in learning more about social justice work/activism, using music as a vessel for protest, and/or building a campaign on behalf of the wrongfully-convicted to have a meaningful exchange with the Freedom First musicians and Justice for Keith LaMar organizers. Keith will be with us by phone from Ohio's Supermax prison, where he has been held for nearly three decades. The format will be panel discussion with audience Q & A, along with musical teasers for Saturday's concert. We anticipate a lively conversation and invite you to bring your questions! Keith's beautifully-written book, Condemned, will be available for purchase for $20. Who will be on the panel? Freedom First musicians will include: Albert Marquès - piano & bandleaderCaroline Davis - alto saxSalim Washington - tenor saxMarc Ayza - drumsErin Corine - vocalsJustice for Keith LaMar panelists will include: Keith LaMar (by phone) - death row prisoner, OhioAmy Gordiejew - lead organizer, Justice for Keith LaMarWali White - emcee & organizer, Justice for Keith LaMarJason Fulford - Justice Run organizer (cousin of Eric Garner, may he rest in peace)What is happening on Saturday, Nov. 13th? 2nd Annual Justice for Keith LaMar 5K Run, Walk & Bike - Saturday morning at 10 a.m., please join us downtown Chicago at Millenium Park as we together take to the streets on behalf of Keith. All registrants will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt!Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-justice-for-keith-lamar-rally-5k-run-walk-bike-tickets-179535424287 Freedom First Jazz Concert - Join us at 6:30 p.m. back at the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for what promises to be an incredible jazz concert! The show will be performed by some of the most provocative and gifted contemporary artists (see attached flyer for additional bio info). The set list has been curated by Keith himself, an avid jazz lover, and includes some of his favorite tunes and several original pieces written for/with him. Keith will be joining us by telephone from Ohio's Supermax Prison, where he has spent nearly three decades in solitary confinement on death row. In spite of these unimaginably difficult years of torture, he continues to shine a bright light into the world, teaching, motivating, and loving people with great intention.Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freedom-first-a-jazz-tribute-benefit-for-justice-for-keith-lamar-tickets-190449659057 Who is sponsoring this event? We are grateful to Northwestern University's African American Studies and Political Science Departments, the Northwestern Prison Education Program, the Undergraduate Prison Education Program, and the Alice Kaplan Institute for their generous support in bringing Freedom First and the Campaign for Justice for Keith LaMar to Northwestern University! #loveistheonlyfreedom #justiceforkeithlamar