Ozarks Engaged: Citizenry and the Future of Our Communities
Join us for Missouri Humanities’ 8th annual Springfield Symposium, part of the “Missouri Voices: Civics & Citizenry” series, exploring how citizenry builds community connections locally and nationally. “Ozarks Engaged” examines civility, civic engagement, and active participation in creating an informed society.
The symposium opens with LeVar Burton discussing literacy’s role in civic engagement, setting the stage for conversations with community members and organizations who will share insights on enhancing citizenry, building civic participation, and shaping the future of the Ozarks through impactful initiatives.
April 3
An Evening with LeVar Burton: A Keynote of Missouri Humanities’ Ozarks Engaged Symposium
Gillioz Theatre | 325 Park Central E, Springfield, MO
Doors open at 6pm, Discussion at 7pm
LeVar Burton, legendary actor, storyteller, and former host and executive producer of Reading Rainbow, gained global recognition for his role as Kunta Kinte in Roots and Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Airing from 1983-2009, Reading Rainbow became one of the longest-running and most acclaimed children’s programs in television history
Burton has received six NAACP Awards, a Grammy, 14 Emmys, and the 2024 National Humanities Medal for his lifelong dedication to championing literacy. In a moderated conversation with Greg Burris, Executive Director of the United Way of the Ozarks’ Give 5 Program, he will discuss how literacy builds community and strengthens civic engagement.
The Keynote is presented in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library and the Friends of the Library, with sponsorship support from Missouri State University Libraries, Drury University, and Drury University Humanities.
FREE reserved tickets will be available at gillioztheatre.com starting Friday, February 21, at 10 am (Central Time).
