Join National Museum of Mexican Art, National Public Housing Museum, South Side Community Art Center, and Center for Native Futures for our Chicago kick off of Smithsonian’s National Conversation on Race series. 

For those who participate in our two-day citywide excursion program (September 20–21) including Pilsen Mural Tours, bring your observations, objects, and reflections to the National Museum of Mexican Art to debrief your experience with neighbors and colleagues from across the city. 

Everyone is invited to bring an object that tells a story about their own community. Those who participate in an excursion are also invited to bring an object or story from the place they visited. Prompts and facilitators will be present at each table, supporting participants to share stories, observations, reflections, and lessons to take away and pass along.

This free event includes food, music by DJ Rae Chardonnay, live performances by Harold Green and Frank Waln, art-making with William Estrada, and other interactive activities, designed to foster greater understanding of our beloved city, and ourselves, those who are building its future.

These activities are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Conversation on Race, taking place September 20-28. Chicago's collaborating museums and cultural organizations will immerse attendees in neighborhood explorations, thought-provoking conversations, film screenings, and artist-led workshops, all aiming to deepen participants' understanding of how race is woven into every aspect of daily life. The National Conversation on Race - Chicago program is hosted by, and in collaboration with: Center for Native Futures, National Museum of Mexican Art, National Public Housing Museum, and South Side Community Art Center.

Read about all the National Conversation on Race - Chicago programs here.