Amy Spitalnick – Executive Director of Integrity First for America
America is grappling with a crisis of violent, white supremacist extremism. There are flashpoints like Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, El Paso, the Capitol insurrection, and Buffalo – and they go hand-in-hand with the broader normalization of extremism and unraveling of democratic norms. Join Amy Spitalnick – Executive Director of Integrity First for America, which successfully sued the neo-Nazis responsible for the Charlottesville violence – to discuss this groundbreaking lawsuit, how extremism has seeped into the mainstream, and what we can do to fight back. Ernie Manouse, television host (PBSHouston), radio personality, writer and producer will moderate the discussion.
Ernie Manouse is an eleven-time Emmy Award winning TV anchor, producer, and host, known for the Houston Public Media produced series: InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse (which ran for 15 seasons on PBS stations across the country); the arts magazine show Arts InSight; and the nationally-syndicated, top- rated Downton Abbey-inspired talk show, Manor of Speaking. Ernie began his career in radio and has worked primarily in television for the last 23 years. With the re-launch and re-branding of Channel 8 as part of Houston Public Media, he can now be heard and seen on radio, TV, and the internet. Manouse currently hosts and executive produces Houston Public Media’s daily radio program/podcast Town Square with Ernie Manouse. Additionally, Manouse tours the country interviewing Al Pacino in the stage show PACINO: One Night Only; is co-host to finance expert Suze Orman on her bi-annual PBS specials; and holds the title of “Ultimate Interviewer” from the Houston Chronicle.
The Ruth V.H. Lack Memorial Lecture was established in honor of the late HMH Executive Director, Ruth Lack, to present renowned speakers on the Holocaust and issues of human rights and education, thereby reinforcing the mission of HMH and helping to make Ruth’s vision a reality.
The lecture is free to the public and registration is required.
