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A Sphere Education Initiatives Special Event

Mississippi Turning

Free Speech, Productive Disagreement, and the Confederate Flag Debate

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Date and Time
-
Location
Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC
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Featuring
Allan Carey headshot
Allan Carey

Director, Sphere Education Initiatives

Irshad Manji
Irshad Manji

Founder, Moral Courage College

Genesis Be
Genesis Be

Activist; Founder, People Not Things

Russ Latino
Russ Latino

Founder, Magnolia Tribune

In January 2021, Mississippi replaced its state flag, the culmination of a process that saw years of debate, protest, and fervid disagreement. Join us on May 16 for an event cohosted by the Cato Institute, Sphere Education Initiatives, and the Moral Courage Project. We’ll explore the political and social environment surrounding the flag debate and examine the skills of productive disagreement through the story of Genesis and Louis, two young people who came together to understand and learn from each other in these polarizing times. 

The event will be held in person at the Cato Institute and streamed live online, and will feature:

  • a screening of the 30-minute documentary Mississippi Turning, which will be released publicly later this year; and
  • conversations with the film’s star, the film’s executive producer, and a leading figure in Mississippi politics.

Reception to follow.




1:00 - 1:10 PM

Opening Remarks

Allan Carey, Director, Sphere Education Initiatives
Irshad Manji, Founder, Moral Courage College

1:10 - 1:40 PM

Screening of Mississippi Turning

1:40 - 2:10 PM

Fireside Conversation

Genesis Be, Activist; Founder, People Not Things
Russ Latino, Founder, Magnolia Tribune
Irshad Manji, Founder, Moral Courage College

  • Moderated by Allan Carey, Director, Sphere Education Initiatives
2:10 - 2:25 PM

Question and Answer

2:25 - 2:30 PM

Closing Remarks

2:30 - 3:00 PM

Reception

Mississippi Turning
Featured Film

Mississippi Turning

Genesis and Louis grew up in Mississippi. Despite attending the same grade school, they didn’t know each other as adults. All they knew is that they disagreed about keeping the Confederate battle emblem in the state flag. After mounting a passionate protest against it, Genesis tried something new: to understand Louis’s point of view. That’s when things got interesting …