The Aspen Institute Presents Rep. Keith Ellison on His Book “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future”
The Aspen Institute invites you to an evening book talk for “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future” by Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN). The discussion with be moderated by Dan Glickman, former US Agriculture secretary and executive director of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program. This event is sponsored by Aspen’ Diversity Committee.
About the Author and the Book:
Keith Ellison is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He is the first Muslim elected to the US Congress and the first African American elected to the House from Minnesota, serving Minnesota’s vibrant and ethnically diverse 5th Congressional District. Ellison serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Democratic Steering Committee and as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Before being elected to Congress, Ellison was a noted community activist. He ran a thriving civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law practice in Minneapolis, and was one of the organizers behind the 1995 Million Man March. He also was elected to serve two terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives. Ellison was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He has lived in Minnesota since earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1990.
“My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future:”
“My Country, ’Tis of Thee” provides insights into Ellison’s personal and political philosophy, which he describes as based on “generosity and inclusion.” Being a person of faith is usually an asset in American political life. Reactions to Ellison’s decision to take the oath of office on the Koran offered another, darker perspective on faith and public life in the United States.
In his book, Ellison draws on his experiences as a community activist, lawyer and elected official to take a provocative look at what needs to change to create a society better aligned with his personal philosophy and faith convictions. Filled with anecdotes, statistics, and social commentary, Ellison’s book touches on everything from the future of the Tea Party to the significance of President Obama, from race to the immigration debate and more. With “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” Ellison strives to help define what it means to be an American today.