This archival collection highlights numerous Westminster Town Hall Forum speaking events that have been broadcast on MPR’s airwaves for over four decades.
Westminster Town Hall Forum has hosted a free and open public forum since 1980, with talks by some of the most important and inspiring speakers in the world. The organization’s mission with event is to invite voices of conscience to address the issues of the day from an ethical perspective.
February 22, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring Washington Post political writer E. J. Dionne. His speech is on why Americans hate politics.
April 25, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring author and Washington Post editorialist Juan Williams. Williams talks about the absence of the issue of race in presidential politics.
May 30, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough. His lecture is entitled, “American Society: Civil and Uncivil.”
November 25, 1996 - Midday presents a Westminster Town Hall Forum with writer, photographer, and artist Gordon Parks. His address is entitled “A Life of Art.” Parks recalls his family, time in St. Paul, and his art. Following the speech, Parks answers audience questions.
March 13, 1997 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring author Rabbi Michael Lerner. The title of his presentation is “Transcending Racism and Hate.”