SCPA FIRST THURSDAY EVENT–YOUKRAINE-THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY AT HOME AND ABROAD: 6:30 pm May 5
Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine has triggered war crimes and massdisplacement of innocent civilians at a scale unseen since WW2. Widespread famine and genocide are likely. At the same time, we see bravery and ingenuity coming from this relatively new democracy that is inspiring folks all over the world. Their determination to resist comes from memories of what it is like to live under Russia’s dictatorship for many years. Their bravery should be an inspiration to us all to fight for our own democracy.
As we know, our voting rights, fair districts and impartial election administration are under fire. It is possible that while the Ukrainians valiantly defend their democracy losing the lives of thousands, that the foundational US democracy could fall without a shot fired in 2024. We need to learn from their courage and take a closer look at what we are facing here. Recently democracies in Belarus, Turkey and Hungary have fallen due to election stacking and interference.
One of our speakers: Professor Andrei Belyi is a former Russian citizen who has warned of the dangers of Putin for many years.
The other speaker: Florida Today editor Mara Bellaby has relatives in the Ukraine. Both have lived in Moscow and Mara has lived in Ukraine. Join us as they discuss Russia, Ukraine and what we can learn from the courage of the Ukrainian people.
Our Speakers:
MARA BELLABY: Executive editor of FLORIDA TODAY.
Prior to this position, Mara worked as a journalist with Associated Press in London, Moscow and Kyiv, Ukraine.
ANDREI BELYI, PHD. – Associate Professor of English and Russian Studies at Eastern Florida State College and Florida Tech. He has personal experience with Russia’s long history of brutal authoritarian leaders, and brings deep insights into Vladimir Putin and his bizarre relationship with Donald Trump.
FREE and open to the public.
ZOOM AND FACEBOOK LIVE
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84175950107
ID: 841 7595 0107
Face Book Live:
https://www.facebook.com/SCPAFlorida/