March 5th will mark the one year anniversary of the passing of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías. Join us one week before this important date to pay tribute to him and the legacy he left the world. A panel discussion will focus on the political, social and economic impact that this Latin American leader had on the poor, social movements and governments alike in the US, Venezuela and the region. Since his passing there have been questions raised about the longevity and viability of many of the regional projects he spearheaded and the struggle for 21st century socialism. This will also be an important topic of discussion. Current events in Venezuela will also be discussed.

Panelists:

• Mark Weisbrot, Co-Director of CEPR (Center for Economic and Policy Research)
• Dan Kovalik, Adjunct Professor of International Human Rights at the University of Pittsburgh
• Venezuelan official, TBA

Moderator: James Early, Boardmember for the Institute for Policy Studies and Director of Cultural Heritage Policy at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.