Eric Holder And Common to Come to The Auditorium Theatre

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, and musician and activist Common speak at the Auditorium Theatre in September as part of Roosevelt University's American Dream Reconsidered conference.

The conference was founded in September 2016 by Roosevelt University President Ali Malekzadeh to address the question, "What does the American Dream mean today?"

"The American Dream is about every individual who aspires to achieve more in life," says Malekzadeh. "Understanding our national ethos of democracy and equality has never been more urgent."

On Wednesday, September 12, Holder delves into current issues regarding voting rights in a discussion titled "Public Service and Civil Rights." With his unique insights from the front lines of the fight, and his recent work as the chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Holder shares his thoughts on the history of voting rights in the United States and his vision for the future. Holder served as Attorney General under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2015 and currently works as a partner at Covington & Burling LLP. He made history as the first African American to be appointed Attorney General of the United States. Judge Ann Claire Williams, formerly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and currently of counsel at the Jones Day firm, moderates the discussion.

Award-winning musician, actor, and activist Common speaks on "Activism in an Age of Polarization," focusing on how activism plays a role in the political process, on Thursday, September 13. Common, in addition to a number of songwriting and film credits, is also the founder of The Common Ground Foundation, a Chicago-based organization that focuses on reaching high school students through programs that teach myriad professional and personal skills and development. The discussion is moderated by singer, producer, and performer Maggie Brown.

Other featured speakers who will be on campus at Roosevelt University for this year's conference include best-selling author and New York Magazine writer Rebecca Traister and Jamelle Bouie, the chief political correspondent for Slate. In previous years, the conference has hosted speakers including including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and political consultant David Axelrod.

A Conversation with Eric Holder: Public Service and Civil Rights
Wednesday, September 12 | 7PM

Tickets are available online here, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Ida B Wells Dr).

A Conversation with Common: Activism in an Age of Polarization
Thursday, September 13 | 7PM

Tickets are available online here, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Ida B Wells Dr).