CNN To Launch Forum Series

CNN will partner with the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference at Emory University and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to launch a series of public discussions focusing on current event issues, according to network officials.

The partnership's first forum, CNN Dialogues: The 2010 Census and a New America, will launch Aug. 31 at the Carter Center in Atlanta and will focus on the impact of the nation's changes demographics, said CNN.

Network anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the discussion, which will feature such panelists as author Heidi Durrow (The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, 2011); Yul Kwon, attorney, host of PBS' America Revealed; University of Maryland sociology and demography professor Kris Marsh; actor Edward James Olmos; and Emory University American Studies professor Dana White.

Future "CNN Dialogues" events will focus on the impact of the digital age upon concepts of privacy and American culture, the effect of openness on LGBT communities, as well as topics revolving around the arts, culture, economics, media, science, politics, and sports. Venues for future "CNN Dialogues" events will be announced at a later date.

"CNN is pleased to join with Emory and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in our shared mission of bringing information and insights to venues where public dialogue and debate will be engaging and enlightening," CNN Worldwide Jim Walton said in a statement.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.