The Windham World Affairs Council is proud to host professor of media studies and documentary filmmaker, Dr. Larry Shore for this important talk.
What is the state of South African democracy? The talk will examine the factors that led to South Africa’s negotiated revolution, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Mandela presidency, the ANC and post-Mandela governments, economic and social developments, constitutional development, and the impact of the 2024 election on South Africa’s post-Apartheid and current foreign policy and the Government of National Unity.
Though not the subject of his talk, Dr. Shore’s perspective will enhance our understanding of Elon Musk’s role in the upcoming administration. How might growing up as a privileged white person under the racist apartheid system in South Africa inform his policy proposals?
Dr. Larry Shore is a professor and documentary filmmaker in the Department of Film and Media Studies at Hunter College (CUNY) in New York City. Larry grew up in Johannesburg and emigrated to the United States in the 1970s. Larry has an MA from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD from Stanford University. He was active in the American Anti-Apartheid Movement, and in 1990, when the changes began in South Africa, he co-founded the South African American Organization (SAAO). Larry also periodically teaches a course on “South Africa, Southern Africa, and the United States.” His documentary film “RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope” has been widely screened in South Africa and the US. It was recently screened at the Centre Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Brattleboro, VT in August 2024.
Dr. Shore is currently working on a new film about the 1980s “The American Struggle Over Apartheid: Nelson Mandela, Edward Kennedy, and Constructive Engagement.”
For more than 60 years, WWAC has brought the world to Windham County. WWAC has gathered a diverse range of individuals with international experience to help create free community events and facilitate youth outreach through programming such as developing PeaceJam at Brattleboro Union High School. WWAC is part of the national World Affairs Councils of America and relies entirely on the support from membership dues and donations by those who attend our events. Contact windhamworldaffairscouncil@gmail.com for more information.
