Kankakee Public Library Podcasts

Matthew Boger, a prominent figure in equal rights activism, visited the library via Skype to speak on his life experiences. As a young man, Boger was ousted from his home due to his parents’ intolerance of his homosexuality. On a summer night in 1981, Boger was severely beaten by several neo-Nazi youths, including a young man named Timothy Zaal. After years of healing and finding his way in life, Boger and Zaal (having renounced his former skinhead ways) were reunited at the Museum of Tolerance, where they both now work. The two work together, promoting the idea that hope and forgiveness can heal all wounds. Today, Boger is operations manager for the Museum of Tolerance. You can watch the video Matthew used in his presentation by clicking play on the viewer below. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kankakee Public Library, Kankakee PFLAG, and Brother2Brother.