Between Tolerance and Xenophobia – Eastern Europe and Today’s Crises

Adam Michnik is the founder and editor-in-chief of Gazeta Wyborcza, a daily often referred to as “The New York Times of Eastern Europe.” He is among Poland’s most prominent public figures, with a distinctive voice dedicated to dialogue, tolerance, and freedom. He was a leading figure in the 1968 student movement in Warsaw, a member of KOR (Committee for the Defense of Workers), and a prominent “Solidarity” activist in the 1980s. Repeatedly detained by the Polish communist regime for his dissident activities, he spent a total of six years in prison between 1965 and 1986. In 1989, he participated in the Round Table Talks, which resulted in Poland’s nonviolent transition to democracy. He then served as a deputy in Poland’s first non-communist parliament (1989-1991). He has written several books and countless essays, analyses, and articles for a variety of major international newspapers and journals. Michnik is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, The Erasmus Prize, The Francisco Cerecedo Journalist Prize, The Goethe Medal, and the Order of the White Eagle – the highest distinction given in Poland. He has honorary doctorates from the New School for Social Research in New York, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Michigan, among others.

Free parking available after 5 PM in Swain Lot – Click here for directions. Paid hourly parking available on Rosemary and Franklin Streets.