Astra Taylor: How to Build and Sustain Solidarity

TPL and Toronto Metropolitan University presents renowned filmmaker, activist and author, Astra Taylor in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, at Toronto Reference Library's Appel Salon space.

People around the world are struggling to deal with feelings of anger, mistrust and even a sense of despair caused by growing polarization and rising inequality. Previous generations have faced similar challenges in the historical struggle for human rights and were able to achieve some form of success through the act of solidarity. Can we come together to address the crises that face us today?

Canadian-American writer, filmmaker and organizer Astra Taylor tackles this essential question in her new book (co-written with activist and author Leah Hunt-Hendrix). In Solidarity, Taylor looks at the history of solidarity movements from ancient Rome to Black Lives Matter, arguing that building and sustaining solidarity is our only solution to today’s most urgent problems.

The renowned activist intellectual Astra Taylor discusses Solidarity and how this important practice should be central to our political and social life. In conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.

Question and answer session and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Ticket registration for this event is required.

About this Event's Guests:

About Astra Taylor

About Sanjay Ruparelia

Read More:

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This event is part of our On Civil Society series, where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.

About the series:

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a public lecture series to analyze the trajectory of democracy in the twenty-first century. In every region, the prospects of democracy face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect constitutional rights and renew collective self-rule in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement, empower public institutions and resist autocratic threats? And what can we offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy in our increasingly post-western global order?

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This event is co-sponsored by The Canadian International Council (CIC) Toronto Branch. The CIC is Canada’s foreign relations council; a non-partisan membership organization dedicated to advancing constructive dialogue on Canada’s place in the world and providing innovative ideas on how to address the world’s most pressing problems.

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Note: This is an in-person event at The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, the premiere event space for Toronto Public Library’s cultural and heritage programming located on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street).

Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends.

Reminder! We oversell these events to make sure that most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are only guaranteed until 15 minutes before the show starts, at which point we will start opening up available spots to the rush line.

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Accessibility at Toronto Public Library

We are committed to making our content accessible to as many Torontonians as possible. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email [email protected]

Host or Publisher Toronto Public Library