Voices for Justice: Michael Staudenmaier: We Go Where They Go: The Story of Anti-Racist Action

Chicago Public Library is pleased to welcome writer and educator Michael Staudenmaier to speak on his book We Go Where They Go: The Story of Anti-Racist Action, as part of our Voices for Justice Series.

Michael Staudenmaier is a veteran of many anti-fascist, anti-imperialist, and anarchist projects over the past three decades, including work with Anti-Racist Action in Chicago in the 1990s and 2000s. He works as assistant professor of history at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana, where he writes and teaches about race, racism, and anti-racism in United States history. He co-authored We Go Where They Go: The Story of Anti-Racist Action,  and he is completing the manuscript of White, Black, Brown: Becoming Puerto Rican in Chicago, which is under contract with the University of North Carolina Press. He serves on the executive committee of the Puerto Rican Studies Association and on the board of directors of Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School in Humboldt Park. He lives in the Austin neighborhood, on the west side of Chicago.

What does it mean to risk all for your beliefs? How do you fight an enemy in your midst? We Go Where They Go recounts the thrilling story of a massive forgotten youth movement that set the stage for today’s anti-fascist organizing in North America. Based on extensive interviews with dozens of ARA participants, We Go Where They Go tells ARA’s story from within, giving voice to those who risked their safety in their own defense and in solidarity with others. e. Here at last is the story of an organic yet highly organized movement, exploring both its triumphs and failures, and offering valuable lessons for today’s generation of activists and rabble-rousers. We Go Where They Go is a page-turning history of grassroots anti-racism.

Michael will be in conversation with Dr. Lamise Shawahin. Dr. Shawahin is the Program Coordinator for the MA in Psychology and an assistant professor at Governors State University. She earned her PhD from an APA accredited Counseling Psychology program at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She completed her pre doctoral internship at Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center and post doctoral fellowship at Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center.

How to Attend – In Person:

Doors to the Auditorium open at 5:30 p.m., and seating is first come, first served (350 capacity). Books are available for purchase, and the author will autograph books at the conclusion of the program.

Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations. Questions about visiting the library? Check out our Using the Library FAQ.