Barbara Masekela, South African Ambassador to the United States, will visit the UW Law School March 10-11, 2005, thanks to a major grant from the Laurie Carlson Progressive Ideas Forum.

Ambassador Masekela will join U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, UW law professor Heinz Klug, and UW history professor John Kaminski for a public discussion on Friday, March 11 at 4 p.m. in Godfrey & Kahn Hall (Room 2260). Their topic will be "A Conversation on the Role of Constitutions in Developing Democracy."

The ambassador's visit celebrates the tenth anniversary of the South African Constitution.

A reception to honor the visitors will follow the public discussion.

For more information on Ambassador Masekela's visit, please contact Professor Ralph Cagle, (608) 262-7881, rmcagle@wisc.edu.

About the Laurie Carlson Progressive Ideas Forum:

In 1986, Wisconsin Governor Tony Earl honored Laurie Carlson with a proclamation declaring him a "state treasure."  Laurie died at age 91, fighting to the end for the poor, the common people, the rights of labor, and the protection of the environment. The Laurie Carlson Progressive Ideas Forum was established and is funded by Laurie's children to support programs at the University of Wisconsin that present, explore and discuss current progressive ideas in law, legal institutions, public policy, and social thought.

Laurie E. Carlson (1908-1999) was born in Bayfield, Wisconsin.  His first political involvement was in 1916 when he and his father traveled Bayfield County in a horse and wagon urging farmers to vote for Bob LaFollette for U.S. Senator.  In 1934, Carlson helped form the State Progressive Party along with La Follette sons, Phil and Bob, Jr. 

Carlson won election as a Progressive to the State Legislature in 1936 at age 28 and served until 1942.  After his legislative service, he began a business career that eventually included athletic field marking equipment, a warehouse rentals business, and the sale of curling equipment.  The latter was an outgrowth of Carlson's lifelong commitment to that popular winter sport.  In 1969, the Dane County Democratic Party prevailed on him to run for Clerk of Court.  He was elected and served four terms before retiring from public office. 

Submitted by on January 20, 2005

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