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American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

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May 19, 2016 Press Releases

AHA Celebrates 75 Years of Activism at Chicago Conference

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May 19, 2016 Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY

May 19, 2016

Contact:

Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org

In honor of its 75th anniversary, the American Humanist Association will host its annual conference in Chicago, Ill., the city where the organization was founded. Since 1941, the American Humanist Association has advanced the progressive, nontheistic philosophy of humanism while defending the separation of church and state and the civil liberties of nonreligious individuals.

WHEN: Thursday, May 26-Sunday, May 29, 2016. Registration opens at 8:30 am CT on Thursday and at 8:00am CT from Friday through Sunday.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S King Dr., Chicago, Ill., 60616

WHO: This year, the American Humanist Association is pleased to honor best-selling author Jared Diamond with the Humanist of the Year Award for his outstanding achievements in science and for his popular books that educate and engage the public in evolutionary biology. At the conference, the American Humanist Association will also honor Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin with the Humanist Heroine Award and actor of Star Trek and Breaking Bad fame John de Lancie with the Humanist Arts Award. Senator Ernie Chambers, the longest-serving state senator in Nebraska and one of the few openly atheist politicians, will be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A full list of awardees can be viewed here.    

The conference will also feature Keynote Speaker Dr. Jerry Coyne, a prolific biologist, University of Chicago professor, and author best-known for the book Why Evolution is True. Dr. Coyne will give his address on “Why Science Leads to Atheism and Humanism.” Stand-up comedian and co-host of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Star Talk podcast, Leighann Lord, will also be speaking with former Saturday Night Live cast member and fellow comedian Julia Sweeney on a panel “Humanism and Humor—Funny Ladies Discuss.” Rafida Bonya Ahmed, author and moderator of the Bengali blog Muktomona (Free Mind), will also speak on the plight of humanist and atheist bloggers in Bangladesh. In the past two years, eleven secular activists have been brutally murdered, including Ahmed’s husband, Avijit Roy. A full list of speakers can be viewed here.

WHY: The American Humanist Association’s annual conference is an opportunity for humanists, atheists and nontheists from across the country to network, share resources and learn about building local humanist communities. Informative talks and panel sessions at the conference cover a range of topics including the rise of nonreligious Americans, church/state separation, social justice and neuroscience. A full schedule is available here. 

MORE INFORMATION: Members of the press are welcome to attend the conference. For more information about obtaining a press pass, please contact Merrill Miller, communications associate, at 202-238-9088 ext. 105 or at merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org.

More information about the conference is available here.

###

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, DC, the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

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