Solidarity: the Past and Future of a World-Changing Idea

TPL and Toronto Metropolitan University presents renowned filmmaker, activist and author, Astra Taylor in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, at Toronto Reference Library's Appel Salon space.

People around the world are struggling to deal with feelings of anger, mistrust and even a sense of despair caused by growing polarization and rising inequality. Previous generations have faced similar challenges in the historical struggle for human rights and were able to achieve some form of success through the act of solidarity. Can we come together to address the crises that face us today?

Canadian-American writer, filmmaker and organizer Astra Taylor tackles this essential question in her new book Solidarity: The Past Present and Future of a World Changing Idea (external link)  (co-written with activist and author Leah Hunt-Hendrix). In Solidarity, Taylor looks at the history of solidarity movements from ancient Rome to Black Lives Matter, arguing that building and sustaining solidarity is our only solution to today’s most urgent problems.

The renowned activist intellectual Astra Taylor discusses Solidarity and how this important practice should be central to our political and social life. In conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.

Question and answer session and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Ticket registration for this event is required.

About this Event's Guests:

About Astra Taylor (external link) 

About Sanjay Ruparelia

Read More:

Solidarity: The Past Present and Future of a World Changing Idea (external link) 

The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart (external link) 

***

This event is part of our On Civil Society  (external link) series, where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.

About the series:

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a public lecture series to analyze the trajectory of democracy in the twenty-first century. In every region, the prospects of democracy face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect constitutional rights and renew collective self-rule in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement, empower public institutions and resist autocratic threats? And what can we offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy in our increasingly post-western global order?

***

This event is co-sponsored by The Canadian International Council (CIC) Toronto Branch (external link) . The CIC is Canada’s foreign relations council; a non-partisan membership organization dedicated to advancing constructive dialogue on Canada’s place in the world and providing innovative ideas on how to address the world’s most pressing problems.