Aaron Swartz at 40: The Internet’s Own Boy
Free community screening • Sunday, November 8 • 2–5 p.m. • 5th Avenue Cinema, Portland
November 8 would have been Aaron Swartz’s 40th birthday.
Aaron believed that knowledge should be accessible and that technology could give people more power over their lives. His work—and the questions he raised about who controls information and who gets to use it—continues to matter.
Portland Civic Lab is organizing a free screening of The Internet’s Own Boy, the documentary about Aaron’s life, work, and fight for an open internet. We’ll come together to remember him, reflect on his ideas, and consider how to carry that spirit forward here in Portland.
Alongside the film, we’ll share recorded and written reflections contributed for this gathering by Senator Ron Wyden, Cory Doctorow, Audrey Tang, Trevor Timm, David Weinberger, Peter Suber, Carl Malamud, and Creative Commons. Their messages offer personal memories of Aaron and thoughts on what carrying his work forward means today.
We’ll begin with a short welcome and Trevor Timm’s recorded introduction, followed by the film and a selection of tributes and reflections. You don’t need a technical background or any familiarity with Aaron’s story to join us.
A personal note from the organizer
I was at MIT from 2008–2013, and like many in that community, I was heartbroken by Aaron’s death. His belief in making knowledge accessible and using technology for the public good feels more important than ever. It’s a spirit I hope to carry into the work of Portland Civic Lab—and one I’d love to bring people together around.
— Edan Krolewicz, founder, Portland Civic Lab
Help make it happen
Want to help with the screening, or belong to a community that would like to participate? Reach out at edan@portlandciviclab.org.
Please share this page with anyone who cares about open knowledge, technology, and the public good.