‘Democracy In A Time Of Crisis’: Join Federal Hall For The Discussion

Federal Hall, on Wall Street, is the site where George Washington was inaugurated, the First Congress met and the Bill of Rights was ratified by the states. Currently, the historic institution is hosting a series of timely and interesting panels — virtually, of course — for everyone to join. 

The series, “Debate Defends Democracy,” is a virtual discussion of constitutional issues and the Bill of Rights as they relate to our current moment. The first program, taking place on June 16, is ”Democracy in a Time of Crisis.” CNN’s John Avlon is moderating the panel, and he will be joined by 

—John M. Barry, author of “The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History,” a study of the 1918 pandemic that killed 50 to 100 million people worldwide

—Eddie S. Glaude Jr., chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University and former president of the American Academy of Religion

—Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law 

With regard to the remaining programs in the series, “The Hyper Partisan Presidency” on June 23 and “Defending the First Amendment” on June 30, Federal Hall will post more information as they approach. 

While Federal Hall is currently still closed to visitors, this is a great opportunity to hear from experts on how what happened at Federal Hall almost 250 years ago still reverberates today. Register for the first event.

photo: iStock