Questioning Our Storied Past

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans continue to grapple with ongoing social injustice and political conflict rooted in our nation’s founding stories. This October 26, 2021 program explored how these stories have been made, shared, and passed on and what to make of the gaps and intentional erasures. Speakers questioned how national narratives are built, why they exist, who they serve, and how to transform them. This program also discussed the importance of creating spaces that dignify diverse stories and difficult truths to reexamine how we see ourselves and our shared past.

Reflect on this lively discussion led by Professor Philip Deloria featuring author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Elon Cook Lee (National Trust for Historic Preservation), and Nathaniel Sheidley (Revolutionary Spaces). The program concluded with a moving rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," arranged by Berklee College of Music student Amanda Bradshaw.

This event served as one of the programs of the Unfinished: America at 250 series. To learn more about the Unfinished: America at 250 partnership visit unfinished250.org.

Duration:

1 hour, 33 minutes, 31 seconds

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans continue to grapple with ongoing social injustice and political conflict rooted in our nation’s founding stories. Watch this lively discussion led by Professor Philip Deloria featuring author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Elon Cook Lee (National Trust for Historic Preservation), and Nathaniel Sheidley (Revolutionary Spaces).