Fazlur Rahman Khan: Man Behind the Skyscraper

Presented as part of Illinois Humanities’ Community Conversations initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we hope you can join us celebrate the legacy of Fazlur Rahman Khan, the Bangladeshi American engineer whose groundbreaking designs transformed modern skylines, including Chicago’s John Hancock Center and Willis Tower. The program features a short from filmmaker Laila Kazmi’s documentary on Khan, followed by a panel discussion and audience conversation exploring immigrant innovation and the South Asian impact on America’s story.

In a fitting historical connection, John Hancock was the first signer of the Declaration, and the building that bears his name stands as a lasting testament to Khan’s engineering genius. By highlighting Khan’s legacy, the program underscores the contributions of South Asian communities to Chicago and the nation while inviting audiences to reflect on whose stories are recognized as part of the American narrative.

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