Join us in celebrating a decade of commitment to justice, equity, and solidarity at the East Side Freedom Library’s Love and Solidarity Symposium. As we commemorate our 10th anniversary, we proudly invite you to be part of a transformative gathering.

The Love and Solidarity Symposium brings together Artists, Activists, Academics, and Organizers who illuminate how communities unite in acts of solidarity. Together, we address the topic of collective action, mutual aid, and building solidarity in the face of historical injustices and ongoing challenges. Our symposium explores a decade of work and commitment to the interconnectedness of labor struggles, racial equity, justice, and broader social movements. Love and solidarity emerge as components of resistance and resilience, fostering a shared responsibility for positive change. Through the lens of Love & Solidarity, we explore contemporary moments that embody these values, grounding our collective efforts toward a society where love, collaboration, partnership, and solidarity are paramount to our work.

At the heart of what we do best is bringing the community together in conversation to produce knowledge, share experiences, speak truths, and engage in active listening. Each session serves as a dynamic platform, fostering dialogue, encouraging critical thinking, amplifying community-driven approaches, and weaving the threads of love and solidarity into the fabric of our discussions.

REGISTER: LOVE & SOLIDARITY SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND

SESSION 1: Transforming Archives with a Focus on Community Perspectives and Driven Approaches

In the conventional landscape of archives, the primary emphasis lies in the collection and protection of tangible records for research, often entwined with legal and bureaucratic frameworks. However, what transpires when communities’ narratives and perspectives take precedence within the established principles of archival practice?

This session highlights community-driven archives and resources, aiming to explore the profound impact of community voices on shaping an alternative mode of evidentiary capacity-building. Additionally, we will delve into community-driven archives, seeking to comprehend their creation and why they have emerged as pivotal entities in the archival landscape.

Panelists
Saengmany Ratsabout, East Side Freedom Library, Community Digital Repository, Executive Director
Jason Noer, MIXTAPE, Twin Cities
Naomi Kawamura, Densho, Digital Repository, Executive Director
Michaela Day, Independent Researcher
Lisa Janette (moderator), Head of Archival Processing, University Libraries, University of Minnesota

SESSION 2: The Intersection of Racial Justice and Labor Equity

This session brings together labor activists, organizers, and scholars to discuss the intersection of racial justice and labor equity.

Panelists
Ellen David Friedman, Chair of the Board of Labor Notes
Kim Park Nelson, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies, Winona State University, 2023-2024 Bush Foundation Fellow
Cassie J. Williams, Associate Director & Labor Educator, Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota
Jennings Mergenthal (moderator), ESFL Board Member, community activist, and historian

SESSION 3: Erasing the Borders: Solidarity for the Centuries 

What happens when we draw outside the colonized lines that separate us and engage our artist, scholar and activist selves for the causes of justice and freedom?

Panelists
Mario Lee, President & Chief Steward, AFSCME Local 8
Laura Mann Hill, Artist, Million Artist Movement, Speaking Out Collective
Rev. Dana Neuhauser, Deacon, New City Church
Michelle Tong, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology, Macalester College
Yuichiro Onishi (moderator), Associate Professor, Department of African American & African Studies, University of Minnesota

SESSION 4: Organizing with Joy, Prioritizing Mental Health, & Preventing Burnout 

This session explores community organizing, managing stress to prevent burnout, and cultivating joy in our activism. Hear from community organizers and healers on how they’re building sustainable practices for the long haul to keep showing up – for self, community, and the causes we all care about.

Panelists
Katherine Banbury, HOME Line Tenant Organizer
Ubah Shire, HOME Line Hotline and Tenant Organizer, and Executive Director of Somali Circle
Ismail Khadar, ESFL Housing Justice Program Co-Director
April Bryant, Kumbe2heal Facilitator
Sid Stuart (moderator), ESFL Housing Justice Program Co-Director

SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JUNE 8: Symposium (free) – East Side Freedom Library

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Registration and Check-in
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Welcome Remarks
9:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Session 1 – Transforming Archives with a Focus on Community Perspectives and Driven Approaches
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Break
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Session 2 – The Intersection of Racial Justice and Labor Equity
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch (pre-registration strongly encouraged)
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Session 3 – Erasing the Borders: Solidarity for the Centuries
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Break
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Session 4 – Organizing with Joy, Prioritizing Mental Health, & Preventing Burnout