The Charleston Forum announces that their second annual event is scheduled for June 21st, 2018 at the Charleston Music Hall from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Created in honor of the victims of the 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting, and part of the official Emanuel 9 commemorative events, The Charleston Forum is an open dialogue on race and the ways in which our community can move forward.

Last year’s Forum, attended by 950 participants, focused on numerous topics, and the 32 speakers provided a robust discussion on their experiences and ideas to overcome a variety of issues. This year’s event will have a more narrowed focus on overcoming racial disparities in education and economics.

“The Charleston Forum fosters an open and honest discussion addressing important issues from many different perspectives,” said Brian Duffy, The Charleston Forum’s committee chair. “We are focused on exploring potential solutions during our second annual event. We will capitalize on the momentum from our incredibly engaging conversations at the inaugural event last year.”

Panelists will be encouraged to propose solutions to certain disparities identified in the Racial Disparities Report released by the College of Charleston Race and Social Justice Initiative. The program will host two panels, with one focusing on education and the other on economics. 

Attendees must have a ticket, which are free and available at www.thecharlestonforum.com. 

Confirmed speakers include:
    - Faith Rivers James, assistant provost for leadership, The Citadel
    - Michael Moore, CEO/president, International African American Museum
    - John Read, CEO, Tri County Cradle to Career
    - Elliot Smalley, superintendent, Public Charter School District
    - Bakari Sellers, CNN commentator and attorney
    - Paris Dennard, senior director of strategic communications, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
    - Sue Berkowitz, executive director of S.C. Applesee Legal Justice Center