Harry Truman said, “Whether discrimination is based on race, or creed, or color, or land of origin, it is utterly contrary to American ideals or democracy.” Truman went on to address desegregation of the military and the federal workforce through two executive orders.
The 18th annual Wild About Harry event will celebrate Truman’s civil rights legacy on April 20 at the Marriott-Muehlebach Hotel.
Keynoting the event is bestselling author and Kansas City native Calvin Trillin. The beloved New Yorker writer and humorist recently issued Jackson, 1964, a deeply resonant, career-spanning collection of articles on race and racism, from the 1960s to the present.
Rep. John Lewis and Rep. James Clyburn will be honored as the 2017 recipients of the Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award.
Rep. Lewis has served as U.S. Representative to Georgia’s 5th Congressional District for more than 30 years. One of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement, Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties and building what he calls “the beloved community” in America.
Rep. Clyburn has served as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District for more than 20 years. Currently serving as Assistant Democratic Leader, Rep. Clyburn earned his early political stripes as a student leader at South Carolina State College during the civil rights years.
“I have always admired the life and legacy of Harry Truman,” Rep. Clyburn said. “Put simply, Harry Truman was a giant who believed all Americans deserve better than lives of fear and deprivation. I am extremely honored to receive the Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award, and hope to live long enough to prove myself deserving.”
UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton is the honorary chair of the event. He is joined by event chairs Mary and Alan Atterbury as well as the Wild About Harry Steering Committee.
Now a Kansas City tradition, Wild About Harry is known for bringing our nation’s thought and opinion leaders to the site that once served as President Truman’s political headquarters. Event proceeds provide vital funding for world-class museum exhibitions at the Truman Library, internationally renowned research programs, stimulating forums, and nationally acclaimed educational programs.
Individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Kim Rausch, Truman Library Institute’s director of development, at 816-268-8237 or kim.rausch@nara.gov, to buy tickets or discuss sponsorship opportunities.
