Trayvon Martin's Parents to Appear at Chicago Humanities Festival Events

This February, the Chicago Humanities Festival, DuSable Museum of African American History, and the Chicago Urban League will present Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, the mother and father of Trayvon Martin, for an intimate two-night discussion about the life of their son, the process of grieving in the national spotlight, their efforts to see justice served, and how they coped when justice was denied.

Not a day passes in America where Trayvon Martin's name is not evoked. For many, Martin's death at the hands of an armed neighborhood vigilante is the definitive miscarriage of justice in our time, one that sparked a renewed, national conversation on equity and justice for people of color in America.

Tickets for both events go on sale January 4th.

"The Chicago Humanities Festival is pleased to welcome Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin for a discussion about the life of their son and what he has come to mean for so many people here in Chicago and across the country," says Phillip Bahar, Executive Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival. "They have handled the tragedy of their son's death with grace and we appreciate their willingness to share their unique wisdom."

Five years after Trayvon's tragic death, his parents are touring the country with their memoir, Rest In Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, a reflection on the personal tragedy behind their son's death and the political transformations he - and they - inspired.

"We are pleased and honored to host this important and timely event. The DuSable is the nation's oldest independent African American History museum whose mission is to educate, enlighten and promote dialogue on issues affecting our community, and today that mission is more important than ever. The killing of Trayvon Martin and the story of his family's strength and courage is a central part of this dialogue and exemplifies African Americans' ongoing struggle for justice and equality in America" said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum.

"The Chicago Urban League is honored to lend its voice to such a critical conversation," said Shari Runner, President and CEO. "As we honor the life of Trayvon, we are also presented with a unique opportunity to highlight the racial prejudice and inequality that continues to promulgate countless instances of injustice against people of color in Chicago and across the country."

One conversation will be held in the Loop at First United Methodist Church and another will be held at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Washington Park. A TalkBack and book signing will follow each program.

Tickets are available at:

Thursday, February 16, First United Methodist Church, 6-7:15PM

Tickets on sale to CHF members now, tickets on sale to general public January 12

Visit tickets.chicagohumanities.org or by calling (312) 494-9509

Friday, February 17, DuSable Museum of African American History, 6-7:15PM

Tickets on sale to general public now

Visit dusablemuseum.org/events or by calling (773) 947-0600

At Chicago Humanities Festival, we believe that humanity thrives when people gather, connect and open themselves to ideas that go beyond their individual experience. That's why for more than 25 years, CHF has been curating live events that give audiences the opportunity to connect with thinkers-both established and emerging and see the world differently. Under the leadership of Executive Director Phillip Bahar, Thoma Artistic Director Jonathan Elmer, and Associate Artistic Director Alison Cuddy, CHF is one of Chicago's most vibrant civic institutions. Join us and celebrate the social life of ideas. chicagohumanities.org

The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Our mission is to promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans through exhibits, programs and activities that illustrate African and African American history, culture and art. The DuSable Museum is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. For more information on the Museum and its programs, please call 773-947-0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable Museum of African American History gratefully acknowledges the Chicago Park District's partnership and also thanks United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum for its support.

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org.

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