Micropolis: Henry Louis Gates Jr. on the Right to Vote

(L): Photo by Matthew Septimus (R): Photo courtesy of the guest

Overview

For this special live-streamed Micropolis, WNYC’s Arun Venugopal sits down with luminary critic, host and historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. to discuss the ongoing fight for the right to vote.

Watch live at 4pm ET:

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many states to reconsider and adapt how their primaries occur, with many governors choosing to delay in-person primaries or rely on mail-in ballots. But further complicating these recent developments, some state governments were moving to limit voter turnout through tactics like reducing polling locations and gerrymandering. How can we ensure access to this essential American right — now and in the future?

“In this critical time for our democracy, educating the next generation on the civil rights movement and helping them understand the importance of the right to vote has taken on a new urgency,” said Gates. “Without a steep grounding in our history, what will rising generations have to pivot from? What will inspire them to remake their world with the confidence that comes from knowing it has been done before?”

Micropolis is part of The Greene Space’s ongoing NEXT New York Conversation series. Leadership support is provided by: