From Amazon to Gaza: Organizing, Solidarity, and Civic Courage

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Old Chapel
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Lecture series
A medium shot of Chris Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union. He is wearing a red hoodie with the white ALU logo—a raised fist emerging from a box—and several gold chains. He has a beard and wears a red baseball cap over a black durag. In the blurred background, a banner featuring the Amazon logo is partially visible. He looks directly at the camera with a serious expression.

In this public lecture with the Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy's 2026 Activist-in-Residence Chris Smalls, Smalls will reflect on organizing in a time when democratic norms are under attack-when corporate power, political repression, and global conflict raise urgent questions about who has power, whose voices are heard, and what democracy demands beyond the ballot box. Drawing on his lived experience, he will explore the role of collective action, dissent, and solidarity in defending and renewing democracy at home and abroad.

This event is open to the public and will be of interest to students, workers, organizers, and community members concerned with the future of democracy, labor rights, and social justice.

In person and On campus event posted in Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Old Chapel

144 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003
United States

413-545-0080