As Miami joins in the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is proud to host a Lincoln Town Hall exploring the theme of “Lincoln, Miami and the American Dream.” The Town Hall, taking place November 1, will be led by Channel 4 anchorman Antonio Mora. Respected panelists, including Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and the Knight Foundation’s Alberto Ibarguen, among others, will weigh in on the impact that Lincoln’s life and words have on the Miami of today.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Director of the W.E.B. Dubois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University, will also join the dialogue and discuss his new book, Lincoln on Race & Slavery. In addition, attendees will be treated to the musical works of the Ambassador Chorale of Florida Memorial University and the orchestra of the New World School of Arts, as well as an excerpt from the work “Lincoln’s Portrait”, narrated by former Miami Heat player Alonzo Mourning.

Sunday, Nov. 1, 4-6 p.m.
Lincoln Town Hall: Lincoln, Miami, and the American Dream
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
Box Office, 305-949-6722

Enjoy the music of Lincoln’s time in performances by the 57-member wind ensemble from the New World School of the Arts and the 60-member Ambassador Chorale of Florida Memorial University. The two groups also will perform a segment of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” with narration by Alonzo Mourning.

Listen to and participate in a “case study” reflecting on the lessons of Lincoln’s life and words for Greater Miami. Channel 4 anchorman Antonio Mora will be the interlocutor. Panelists include: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, author and former FIU professor Dr. Marvin Dunn, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibargüen, Florida Immigrant and Advocacy Center Executive Director Cheryl Little, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center Executive Director Gepsie Metellus, Dade Community Foundation retired President Ruth Shack, 19th century American history professors Dr. Darden Pyron from Florida International University and Dr. Donald Spivey from the University of Miami.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., who directs the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African-American Studies at Harvard University, will discuss his most recent book, Lincoln on Race and Slavery. View Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia from the Norman Braman collection on display in the foyer of the Knight Concert Hall.

This event is free. But tickets must be reserved through the Arsht Center box office. Seating for this event is general admission. There will be no reserved seating.

All events are free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required for the Town Hall. Please visit http://www.hmsf.org/lincoln/events.html for more information on event times and locations, and to find out how to RSVP.

Sunday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Town Hall Reception
Freedom Tower
600 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami

Enjoy music of the Lincoln era as well as refreshments of the sort that Lincoln most enjoyed at a special reception for Lincoln Town Hall attendees. Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. will be here, and signed copies of Lincoln on Race and Slavery will be on sale. Lincoln ephemera and memorabilia – including a cast of his right hand – will be on display.

You can also connect with us and join the discussion today through Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/Abraham.Lincoln.Bicentennial.Commission and Twitter http://twitter.com/lincoln200yrs.