by Kerul Dyer
If you’ve never heard of George Lakey, take my word for it, you are in for an uplifting experience March 7. That is the day George will be speaking in Ashland – at Ashland’s Peace Church at 7 p.m. and at Peace House at 2 p.m. George comes to the Rogue Valley by way of a 20-city speaking tour where he’s been sharing stories from his new book, “Dancing with History: a life for peace and justice.” His book reads a lot like a memoir, but it is more than that.
“Dancing with History is full of vivid, personal stories,” Lakey said in a statement. “The book includes over 60 descriptions of tactics, strategies, insights on effective leadership, key points of social analysis, and ingredients that strengthen an activist.”
And George should know, he’s been working for justice since he was just 12 years old, 73 years ago! His wide range of experiences reflect his deep commitment to nonviolence and Quaker strategies for social action as well as his courage to continually “put his body on the line.”
You don’t have to take my word for it, Daniel Ellsberg, the famed US military analyst who released the Pentagon Papers decades ago had this to say:
“George Lakey stands out for the sheer range of his contributions to peace and justice, especially in strategy and theory, organizing, innovative and risky actions, and teaching and training others. His upbeat, soul-driven spirit underlies it all, as you’ll catch in this revealing memoir.”
We’ve organized two events so as many people as possible can join us.
March 7 George will speak at 2 p.m. at Peace House across from SOU and at 7 p.m. he will speak at Ashland’s Peace Church, at 717 Siskiyou Blvd. Both events are free and books will be available for purchase.
Our friends at Waging Nonviolence recently published an incredible story included in the book, as a full chapter excerpt. The piece, “How activists sailed into a war zone and helped build the mass movement against the Vietnam War” tells a riveting story of young, courageous and dedicated activists who took incredible personal risks to draw attention to the rising conflict in Vietnam.
More recently, the 85 year old was arrested at a climate justice protest, but his intersectional work has included promoting effective, nonviolent strategies and tactics that have proven results in lifting up the rights of LGBTQ and BIPOC communities, social justice initiatives, and the environment.
We hope you can join us March 7 to hear from an old friend of the movement and engage with current struggles for justice in our community.
The book Dancing with History is available for purchase online and will be sold at the event.
Event information:
Tuesday March 7 at 2 PM at Peace House, 523 South Mountain Avenue, across fro SOU.
Tuesday March 7 at 7:00 PM at Ashland’s Peace Church, 717 Siskiyou Blvd.
Zoom streaming may be available. Please call 541-482-9625.
George Lakey’s speaking events are cosponsored by Peace House and UCC.
