Book Talk: “Solidarity” with Leah Hunt-Hendrix & Astra Taylor

The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) presents a book talk featuring renowned organizers and activists Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor, as they delve into some profound insights from their latest work, “Solidarity.” This book goes beyond a mere rallying cry, presenting “Solidarity” as a powerful political movement with the potential to effect lasting change. Alongside moderator Aaron Horvath, sociologist and research scholar at Stanford PACS, Leah and Astra will explore the pivotal role that philanthropy can play in supporting and sustaining the Solidarity movement. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Solidarity is often invoked, but it is rarely analyzed and poorly understood. Here, two leading activists and thinkers survey the past, present, and future of the concept across borders of nation, identity, and class to ask: how can we build solidarity in an era of staggering inequality, polarization, violence, and ecological catastrophe? Offering a lively and lucid history of the idea—from Ancient Rome through the first European and American socialists and labor organizers, to twenty-first century social movements like Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter—Hunt-Hendrix and Taylor trace the philosophical debates and political struggles that have shaped the modern world.

Looking forward, they argue that a clear understanding of how solidarity is built and sustained, and an awareness of how it has been suppressed, is essential to warding off the many crises of our present: right-wing backlash, irreversible climate damage, widespread alienation, loneliness, and despair. Hunt-Hendrix and Taylor insist that solidarity is both a principle and a practice, one that must be cultivated and institutionalized, so that care for the common good becomes the central aim of politics and social life.

Please note: RSVP is required but does not guarantee a seat. Seating is limited and is first come, first serve.

We are committed to making this a zero-waste event. Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation and bring their own to-go boxes for any leftover food. The Stanford Marguerite Shuttle, specifically Line X and Line Y, have stops conveniently located near Paul Brest Hall.

Request disability accommodation and access information here.