At Forefront's Annual Luncheon, Cast Members of Hamilton Chicago Shared How Being a Part of The Production Extends Their Commitment to a World That Celebrates Equity.

Different eras of change came face to face at the 43rd Annual Forefront Luncheon, as social justice activist Luis A. Miranda Jr. joined cast members of the Chicago production of Hamilton to discuss how the ground-breaking musical connects a new generation to the ideals behind the initial American Revolution. Those ideals can inspire much-needed work for change; as Forefront President and CEO Eric Weinheimer said, “In these extraordinary times in which we are living, we are compelled to move into uncomfortable territory, to stretch ourselves, to look at our work differently, in order to create the world we say we want to create.”

That theme of listening to a range of voices and including others came up repeatedly during the presentations. Mr. Miranda spoke of moving from protests of the New York City school system to having a seat at the table helping decide which neighborhoods need new schools, and the importance of having that voice. He referenced a song from Hamilton, “The Room Where It Happens’” saying “That song represents how so many things happen, and right now we are not in the room where it happens.”

Immigrants can play an important role in the change the nation needs, Mr. Miranda said. In speaking of Hamilton, he said, “Lin-Manuel wanted to present an imperfect country, made by imperfect men and women who were visionaries, who created an unbelievable system, a system that is sometimes aspirational and diverse.” That diversity, he said, is an important source of our future strength.

Angelique Power, executive director of the Field Foundation of Illinois, led a discussion with cast members of Hamilton, who shared how the musical highlights diversity and inclusion. Angelique promoted inclusion by asking questions to the panel that were contributed from a diverse group so that a range of voices could be represented. Karen Olivo, who plays Angelica Schuyler in the musical, drew a parallel between people in the social impact sector and those carrying in the work of freedom in the early days of the country, saying “You answer the questions for yourself—what is the legacy you want to leave, and are these the people who can help you achieve it?” Surveying the room, she added, “I think yes.” Ms. Olivo announced at the Luncheon that she is leaving the show to become an educator.

Miguel Cervantes, who plays Alexander Hamilton, said he hopes the show inspires people to take action and work for a better future. “That’s what we are doing, that’s what we are encouraging, that’s what we are hoping for—to move past tomorrow,” he said. “Every song has a meaning to drive to encourage change.”

In keeping with this need for change, Mr. Weinheimer announced that Forefront will use racial equity as a lens to assess its work going forward. The input, knowledge, and wisdom of individuals and organizations across the social impact sector will be critical as Forefront moves forward in this work, ensuring that the actions taken by Forefront and its members will ultimately lead to a more equitable state and world. “All that we do everyday, it’s ultimately about justice. It’s ultimately about creating a world that works for everyone.”

The theme of change was also highlighted by two presentations from participants in the Hamilton Education Program. Chloe Johnson from the Lindblom Math and Science Academy performed a poem written in honor of Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American poet, and a “pivotal poet,” in Ms. Johnson’s words. Darrius Clinkscales and Elizabeth Loma, from the Noble Network of Charter Schools—Noble Academy, performed a piece inspired by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. “The government that only looks to you when they need something from you is not working,” they said, highlighting the need for change when government is not responding to the people it should serve.

At the opening of the luncheon, Clark McCain of the Coleman Foundation talked about the accomplishments of #ILGive. He spoke of how one-third of Illinois households do not make charitable donations, and how important it is to reach out to them and involve more individuals in the social impact sector. “Find out how to tell your story to the one-third of your fellow states people who are giving up their shot. They are waiting for you,” he said.

Watch the video of the program on Facebook. 

Find photos on Facebook or Flickr. 

Browse the recap from attendees' viewpoint via social media. 

Read a thank you note from Mr. Miranda and learn more about the Hamilton Education program.

Forefront grateful to our generous sponsors, as well as to our Luncheon co-chairs: Greg Cameron, Executive Director of The Joffrey Ballet, and Angelique Power, President of the Field Foundation of Illinois.