The Urban History Seminar series feature a scholarly presentation followed by lively discussion. Helen Shiller, former city council woman and author, will discuss her 2022 memoir Daring to Struggle Daring to Win: Five Decades of Resistance in Chicago’s Uptown Community.

Shiller went from radical antiwar activist in Wisconsin, to a member of a collective of white allies of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, to an elected city council member who helped break the back of the racialized opposition to Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor.

Through her presentation, Shiller will explore the relationship between activism and political action and why they are both important and not in conflict.

RSVP required. This in-person session is free of charge and includes complimentary coffee and tea, a 10% discount at the North & Clark Café, and free admission to the Museum. We would greatly appreciate a donation to the Museum in any amount.

The Urban History Seminars have been generously underwritten by the Chicago History Museum since 1983.