Earlier this year, Milwaukee County declared racism a public health crisis. This declaration brings visibility and resources to an issue that is as urgent as it is endemic. Contemporary artists have also brought their unique abilities to address racism, working to make visible and to bring to wider public attention the impacts of systemic racism on individual lives and the life of our country.

This public event brings together important voices from the arts, journalism, and public health to ask how contemporary art and public health communities can work to combat racism in our city and improve health and civic life in Boston. Jill Medvedow, Ellen Matilda Poss Director, moderates a discussion with:

Nicole M. Brookshire, Director of Milwaukee County’s Office on African American Affairs
Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County Public Health Director
Steve Locke, artist and Professor of Fine Art at Pratt Institute
Jeneé Osterheldt, Culture Writer, Boston Globe