Rock and Roll and Social Change Panel Discussion

You’re invited to a virtual discussion with Thom Shanker, assistant Washington editor of The New York Times; Serj Tankian, lead singer of the heavy metal band System of a Down; and Graham Nash, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, moderated by Ohio Wesleyan politics and government professor Sean Kay.

The discussion will be held via Zoom at 7 p.m. Sept. 24. Advance registration is required via this link.

Kay, Ph.D., interviewed the men for his book “Rockin’ the Free World! How the Rock and Roll Revolution Changed America and the World.” The upcoming discussion will cover “the role of rock and roll artists as troubadours carrying and amplifying critical social messages,” Kay said.

Shanker also will discuss his work covering underground rock bands during the collapse of the Soviet Union while working as a Moscow correspondent. Before becoming a Times editor, he spent 13 years covering the Pentagon, the military, and national security.

Tankian will discuss his work advancing recognition of the Armenian genocide and human rights. In addition to his Grammy-winning work with System of a Down (for “B.Y.O.B.”), Tankian co-founded the nonprofit organization Axis of Justice in 2002, which strives to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.

Nash will discuss the positive potential of music as a one-time member of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash. The longtime social activist has previously performed on The Lantern Tour: Concerts for Migrant and Refugee Families with artists including Jackson Browne and Emmylou Harris.

Those who register will receive access information prior to the Sept. 24 live panel discussion. To submit a question for the panelists, please email Kay at sikay@owu.edu.