The Acton Institute seeks to build a free and virtuous society by speaking old truths in new forms through a combination of careful scholarship of the past, penetrating analysis of the present, and innovative programming oriented toward the future.
This issue recaps an installment of the Acton Lecture Series featuring Rachel Ferguson of Concordia University Chicago on “Black Liberation Through the Marketplace.” The talk, drawing on material from her forthcoming book, explored the way black entrepreneurs have overcome extraordinary obstacles to create flourishing institutions that have helped transform communities for the better. Such research into the power of markets to transform communities is essential to bring about racial reconciliation and community development today.
Also included is a feature story on our upcoming Business Matters Online conference focusing on the role of business and entrepreneurs in building up a free and virtuous society. We encourage and welcome your participation in this online event coming in February 2022.
There is a brief notice of our most recently published monograph, A Legacy of Liberty. This book combines two of Fr. Roberts’ most celebrated essays, with a new introduction I wrote outlining the original founding vision of the Acton Institute and the challenges we look forward to meeting in the future.
In this issue you’ll also learn of a recent op-ed by Eric Kohn, director of communications at the Acton Institute, in The Detroit News about the courage and activism of Jimmy Lai on behalf of the people of Hong Kong. Kohn sees Lai’s many sacrifices in the cause of freedom as rooted in his deep Catholic faith.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors. Thank you! Your support is more important than ever as we work to spread the ideas that animate a free and virtuous society. If you’re just learning about Acton, be sure to check out our website, and please prayerfully consider supporting us in our mission.
