 In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s June 1963 speech on civil rights, this special panel discussion explores civil rights issues in the 1960s and today. Mark Whitaker, CBS Sunday Morning contributor and author of “Saying it Loud: 1966 - The Year Black Power Challenged the Civil Rights Movement” moderates a conversation with Jonathan Eig, author of the new biography “King: A Life”; Judge Nancy Gertner (ret.), senior lecturer on law at Harvard Law School; David Greenberg, professor of history and of journalism and media studies at Rutgers University; and Traci Parker, professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s June 1963 speech on civil rights, this special panel discussion explores civil rights issues in the 1960s and today. Mark Whitaker, CBS Sunday Morning contributor and author of “Saying it Loud: 1966 - The Year Black Power Challenged the Civil Rights Movement” moderates a conversation with Jonathan Eig, author of the new biography “King: A Life”; Judge Nancy Gertner (ret.), senior lecturer on law at Harvard Law School; David Greenberg, professor of history and of journalism and media studies at Rutgers University; and Traci Parker, professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Civil Rights Issues: Then and Now

  In a nationally televised address in June 1963, President Kennedy addressed the most urgent domestic issue of the time: the struggle to guarantee civil rights for all Americans. In his speech, President Kennedy implored a nation divided by race, to rise to the challenge of that moment, to create a society in which all its citizens were afforded equal opportunity under the law. We acknowledge that the civil rights movement represented a challenge of President Kennedy’s leadership, but with this speech, he sought to lay the foundation for the protection of civil rights for generations to come.  On June 9, 2023, the JFK Library Foundation convened a special commemoration of this important moment in the historical timeline of social justice in America, featuring keynote remarks from 82nd U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. Following the keynote, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Rahsaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts discussed civil rights through the intersection of the law and activism. Their conversation was moderated by Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Senior Opinion Writer for the Boston Globe.

In a nationally televised address in June 1963, President Kennedy addressed the most urgent domestic issue of the time: the struggle to guarantee civil rights for all Americans. In his speech, President Kennedy implored a nation divided by race, to rise to the challenge of that moment, to create a society in which all its citizens were afforded equal opportunity under the law. We acknowledge that the civil rights movement represented a challenge of President Kennedy’s leadership, but with this speech, he sought to lay the foundation for the protection of civil rights for generations to come. On June 9, 2023, the JFK Library Foundation convened a special commemoration of this important moment in the historical timeline of social justice in America, featuring keynote remarks from 82nd U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. Following the keynote, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Rahsaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts discussed civil rights through the intersection of the law and activism. Their conversation was moderated by Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Senior Opinion Writer for the Boston Globe.

An Unfinished Agenda: President Kennedy And Civil Rights, 60 Years Later

 John Avlon, author, columnist, and senior political analyst and anchor at CNN, discusses his new book “Lincoln and the Fight for Peace,” which explores Lincoln’s plan to secure a just and lasting peace after the Civil War, with Kellie Carter Jackson, professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College.

John Avlon, author, columnist, and senior political analyst and anchor at CNN, discusses his new book “Lincoln and the Fight for Peace,” which explores Lincoln’s plan to secure a just and lasting peace after the Civil War, with Kellie Carter Jackson, professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College.

Lincoln and the Fight for Peace

  Colette Hemingway  honors 2023 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel finalists and winner  Oscar Hokeah, author of “Calling for a Blanket Dance,” at this celebration. Award-winning author  Jennifer Haigh  delivers the keynote address. The Kennedy Library is the major repository of Ernest Hemingway’s personal papers. This program is co-presented with The International Hemingway Foundation and Society.

Colette Hemingway honors 2023 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel finalists and winner Oscar Hokeah, author of “Calling for a Blanket Dance,” at this celebration. Award-winning author Jennifer Haigh delivers the keynote address. The Kennedy Library is the major repository of Ernest Hemingway’s personal papers. This program is co-presented with The International Hemingway Foundation and Society.

PEN/Hemingway Award Celebration

  Alex Prud’homme  discusses his new book, “Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House,” a narrative history of food, politics, and twenty-six presidents from President Washington to President Biden, including President Kennedy.  Sheryl Julian, writer, stylist, and former food editor of  The Boston Globe, moderates.

Alex Prud’homme discusses his new book, “Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House,” a narrative history of food, politics, and twenty-six presidents from President Washington to President Biden, including President Kennedy. Sheryl Julian, writer, stylist, and former food editor of The Boston Globe, moderates.

Dinner with the President

 Ellen Fitzpatrick, Presidential Chair and Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire;  Doug Mills, White House photographer for  The New York Times, and  Darlene Superville, White House Correspondent for the Associated Press, explore key issues in covering the Presidency with  Tamara Keith, NPR White House Correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents' Association. 

Ellen Fitzpatrick, Presidential Chair and Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire; Doug Mills, White House photographer for The New York Times, and Darlene Superville, White House Correspondent for the Associated Press, explore key issues in covering the Presidency with Tamara Keith, NPR White House Correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents' Association.

The Press and the Presidency

Micheál Martin

  Micheál Martin T.D., Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of Ireland, marks the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland and discusses the Irish-US relationship and key global issues with  Kevin Cullen, columnist for  The Boston Globe.    This program is supported in part through the Government of Ireland: Emigrant Support Programme.     

Micheál Martin T.D., Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of Ireland, marks the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland and discusses the Irish-US relationship and key global issues with Kevin Cullen, columnist for The Boston Globe. This program is supported in part through the Government of Ireland: Emigrant Support Programme.

A Conversation with Micheál Martin T.D., Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of Ireland

Philip Alpers, founding director of GunPolicy.org at the University of Sydney School of Public Health; Jennifer Carlson, professor of sociology and government and public policy at the University of Arizona; Mugambi Jouet, professor of law at the University of Southern California; and Diego Sanjurjo, political scientist and coordinator of focused police crime prevention strategies at Uruguay’s Ministry of the Interior, explore comparative and international perspectives on firearms policy and gun control with Kristin Goss, professor of political science at Duke University. This was a virtual Kennedy Library Forum.

Philip Alpers, founding director of <a href="http://GunPolicy.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GunPolicy.org</a> at the University of Sydney School of Public Health; Jennifer Carlson, professor of sociology and government and public policy at the University of Arizona; Mugambi Jouet, professor of law at the University of Southern California; and Diego Sanjurjo, political scientist and coordinator of focused police crime prevention strategies at Uruguay’s Ministry of the Interior, explore comparative and international perspectives on firearms policy and gun control with Kristin Goss, professor of political science at Duke University. This was a virtual Kennedy Library Forum.

 Gun Control and Firearms Policy

Mary Welsh Hemingway

Mary Welsh

Timothy Christian, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, discusses his new book "Hemingway’s Widow: The Life and Legacy of Mary Welsh Hemingway" with Jenny Emery Davidson, executive director of The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho. This was a virtual Kennedy Library Forum.

Timothy Christian, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, discusses his new book "Hemingway’s Widow: The Life and Legacy of Mary Welsh Hemingway" with Jenny Emery Davidson, executive director of The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho. This was a virtual Kennedy Library Forum.

Hemingway’s Widow: The Life and Legacy of Mary Welsh Hemingway

Douglas Brinkley discusses his forthcoming book "Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, and the Great Environmental Awakening," which explores the rise of environmental activism, with Michael Eric Dyson, award-winning author and professor of African American and diaspora studies and of ethics and society at Vanderbilt University.   The program is made possible in part through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Douglas Brinkley discusses his forthcoming book "Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, and the Great Environmental Awakening," which explores the rise of environmental activism, with Michael Eric Dyson, award-winning author and professor of African American and diaspora studies and of ethics and society at Vanderbilt University.   The program is made possible in part through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Silent Spring Revolution

Kennedy Library Forums are a series of public affairs programs offered by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to foster public discussion on a diverse range of historical, political, and cultural topics reflecting the legacy of President and Mrs. Kennedy's White House years.

JFK Library Forums

Join reporters and community and business leaders in a discussion of the recent series,"Boston. Racism. Image. Reality." As Boston builds out, how do we make sure there's a different blueprint for our future? How does Boston become a more welcoming city to all? Award-winning journalist and pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church Liz Walker leads the conversation. This program is supported in part by the Hyams Foundation, National Grid, and The Partnership, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Join reporters and community and business leaders in a discussion of the recent series,"Boston. Racism. Image. Reality." As Boston builds out, how do we make sure there's a different blueprint for our future? How does Boston become a more welcoming city to all? Award-winning journalist and pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church Liz Walker leads the conversation. This program is supported in part by the Hyams Foundation, National Grid, and The Partnership, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The Boston Globe Spotlight Team: Confronting Racism and Disparities, What's Next?

Pulitzer Prize-winning former Boston Globe columnist Eileen McNamara discusses her new book, Eunice: The Kennedy Who Changed the World, with award-winning journalist Larry Tye.

Pulitzer Prize-winning former Boston Globe columnist Eileen McNamara discusses her new book, Eunice: The Kennedy Who Changed the World, with award-winning journalist Larry Tye.

Eunice: The Kennedy Who Changed the World

Todd S. Purdum, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses his new book, Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution, with Don Aucoin, chief theater critic for The Boston Globe.

Todd S. Purdum, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses his new book, Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution, with Don Aucoin, chief theater critic for The Boston Globe.

Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution

John F. Kennedy

Award-winning author and Rice University professor of history Douglas Brinkley discusses his new book, American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race, with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Harvard professor of history Fredrik Logevall. This program is supported in part by Raytheon Company and Draper.

Award-winning author and Rice University professor of history Douglas Brinkley discusses his new book, American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race, with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Harvard professor of history Fredrik Logevall. This program is supported in part by Raytheon Company and Draper.

American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race

Sandra Day O'Connor

Evan Thomas

Award-winning author Evan Thomas and his wife Oscie Thomas, an attorney and frequent collaborator on his books, discuss his new book First: Sandra Day O’Connor, drawn from exclusive interviews and first-time access to the archives of America’s first female Supreme Court justice. Barbara Perry, professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center, moderates.

Award-winning author Evan Thomas and his wife Oscie Thomas, an attorney and frequent collaborator on his books, discuss his new book First: Sandra Day O’Connor, drawn from exclusive interviews and first-time access to the archives of America’s first female Supreme Court justice. Barbara Perry, professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center, moderates.

First: Sandra Day O'Connor with Evan Thomas

Gerard Baker, editor at large at The Wall Street Journal, Ambassador (Ret.) Nicholas Burns, Harvard professor of diplomacy and international relations, and Karen Donfried, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, discuss current developments in the Brexit process with Elaine Papoulias, executive director of the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies.    

Gerard Baker, editor at large at The Wall Street Journal, Ambassador (Ret.) Nicholas Burns, Harvard professor of diplomacy and international relations, and Karen Donfried, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, discuss current developments in the Brexit process with Elaine Papoulias, executive director of the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies.

Brexit: What's Next

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, Apollo 11 Lunar Command Module pilot Michael Collins, former NASA administrator Charles Bolden, former director of the Johnson Space Center Ellen Ochoa, and former NASA deputy administrator Dava Newman discuss NASA’s past, present, and future with National Air and Space Museum director Ellen Stofan. This program is supported in part by Raytheon Company and Draper. Watch the video of the event via the JFK Library website. *** This panel was part of the 2019 JFK Space Summit, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing and President Kennedy’s vision that launched the effort to get there. Hosted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, this day-long symposium highlighted the history that led to the first Moon landing, current scientific and technological space initiatives, and the future of space exploration. The program challenges Americans to learn from the past, draw inspiration from President Kennedy’s vision, and renew our civic commitment to solving the great challenges of our own time.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, Apollo 11 Lunar Command Module pilot Michael Collins, former NASA administrator Charles Bolden, former director of the Johnson Space Center Ellen Ochoa, and former NASA deputy administrator Dava Newman discuss NASA’s past, present, and future with National Air and Space Museum director Ellen Stofan. This program is supported in part by Raytheon Company and Draper. Watch the <a href="https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/06-19-NASA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video of the event</a> via the JFK Library website. *** This panel was part of the 2019 JFK Space Summit, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing and President Kennedy’s vision that launched the effort to get there. Hosted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, this day-long symposium highlighted the history that led to the first Moon landing, current scientific and technological space initiatives, and the future of space exploration. The program challenges Americans to learn from the past, draw inspiration from President Kennedy’s vision, and renew our civic commitment to solving the great challenges of our own time.

NASA: From the Moon to Mars and Beyond

Juan Manuel Santos

His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia, Nobel laureate, and Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses key global issues and reflects on his distinguished career with Professor Ricardo Hausmann, director of Harvard's Center for International Development and former Chief Economist of the Inter-American Development Bank. 

His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia, Nobel laureate, and Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses key global issues and reflects on his distinguished career with Professor Ricardo Hausmann, director of Harvard's Center for International Development and former Chief Economist of the Inter-American Development Bank.

A Conversation with His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos

Franklin Chang Díaz

Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum welcomed guests to JFK Space Fest 2019 and introduced a video greeting from NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Christina Koch aboard the International Space Station (ISS).  Following this welcome and greeting, Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, founder and CEO of the Ad Astra Rocket Company, discussed his research and career, including 25 years’ service as a NASA astronaut and a veteran of seven space shuttle flights. He is the author of Dream’s Journey and To Mars and Beyond, FAST! You can watch a  video of this event via the JFK Library's website.

Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum welcomed guests to JFK Space Fest 2019 and introduced a video greeting from NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Christina Koch aboard the International Space Station (ISS).  Following this welcome and greeting, Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, founder and CEO of the Ad Astra Rocket Company, discussed his research and career, including 25 years’ service as a NASA astronaut and a veteran of seven space shuttle flights. He is the author of Dream’s Journey and To Mars and Beyond, FAST! You can watch a <a href="https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/dr-franklin-chang-diaz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> video of this event</a> via the JFK Library's website.

Welcome, ISS Greeting, and Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz

Lonnie Johnson

Dr. Lonnie Johnson, founder of Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc, and holder of over 100 patents, discussed his career in invention – from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab to inventing the Super Soaker®, the most popular water toy in history. You can  watch a video of this event via the JFK Library's website.

Dr. Lonnie Johnson, founder of Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc, and holder of over 100 patents, discussed his career in invention – from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab to inventing the Super Soaker®, the most popular water toy in history. You can <a href="https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/dr-lonnie-johnson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> watch a video</a> of this event via the JFK Library's website.

Imaginative Invention with Dr. Lonnie Johnson

Su Curley

NASA Engineer Su Curley, who works on crew survival spacesuits and hardware for the Orion Program, including the journey to Mars, discussed current spacesuit technology and showed visitors how suits are used for spacewalking.   You can watch a video of this event on the JFK Library website.

NASA Engineer Su Curley, who works on crew survival spacesuits and hardware for the Orion Program, including the journey to Mars, discussed current spacesuit technology and showed visitors how suits are used for spacewalking. You can <a href="https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/su-curley" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">watch a video</a> of this event on the JFK Library website.

Spacesuit Engineering with Su Curley

Daniel Burbank

Former NASA astronaut Daniel Burbank, currently Senior Technical Fellow for Mission Systems at Collins Aerospace Systems, discussed his experience from more than two decades at NASA, including his time aboard the International Space Station.

Former NASA astronaut Daniel Burbank, currently Senior Technical Fellow for Mission Systems at Collins Aerospace Systems, discussed his experience from more than two decades at NASA, including his time aboard the International Space Station.

Former NASA astronaut Daniel Burbank

Leonard Bernstein

In honor of the Leonard Bernstein centennial, Harvard professor of music Thomas Forrest Kelly explored the impact of the relationship between Bernstein and the Kennedy Administration, which continues to influence the artistic and cultural life of America. Due to copyright restrictions, this recording does not include the performance by the Boston Lyric Opera.

In honor of the Leonard Bernstein centennial, Harvard professor of music Thomas Forrest Kelly explored the impact of the relationship between Bernstein and the Kennedy Administration, which continues to influence the artistic and cultural life of America. Due to copyright restrictions, this recording does not include the performance by the Boston Lyric Opera.

Leonard Bernstein and President John F. Kennedy

John Lithgow

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, author, and musician John Lithgow discussed his distinguished career and the importance of the arts with Robin Young, co-host of WBUR's Here and Now. This program was supported in part by the Mass Cultural Council.

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, author, and musician John Lithgow discussed his distinguished career and the importance of the arts with Robin Young, co-host of WBUR's Here and Now. This program was supported in part by the Mass Cultural Council.

A Conversation with John Lithgow

Doug Jones

Senator Doug Jones, author of Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights, and William Baxley, former Attorney General of Alabama, discuss the decades-long efforts to prosecute the 16th Street Baptist Church bombers. Margaret Burnham, professor and founder and director of the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern University, moderates.

Senator Doug Jones, author of Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights, and William Baxley, former Attorney General of Alabama, discuss the decades-long efforts to prosecute the 16th Street Baptist Church bombers. Margaret Burnham, professor and founder and director of the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern University, moderates.

Bending Toward Justice with Sen. Doug Jones

Lawrence O’Donnell, author of Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics and host of MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell; Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam; and Christian Appy, professor of history at UMass Amherst and author of American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity discuss the critical events of 1968 in Vietnam and in American politics with Ellen Fitzpatrick, professor of history at the University of New Hampshire.

Lawrence O’Donnell, author of Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics and host of MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell; Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam; and Christian Appy, professor of history at UMass Amherst and author of American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity discuss the critical events of 1968 in Vietnam and in American politics with Ellen Fitzpatrick, professor of history at the University of New Hampshire.

Vietnam 1968: The War, the Turmoil, and the Presidential Election

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