Education for Democracy: An Integrated 51¶ÌÊÓƵ and U.S Story
The final theme is a culmination of both the collecting of 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s stories and the invitation to 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s citizens to engage with one another toward a more perfect union, locally and nationally. This theme will foster informed and engaged citizens who can express their opinions and take actions on issues that reflect the values of our democracy—aiming toward liberty and justice for all.
The founding ideas will come into dialogue with the failings and triumphs, as we will have learned through 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s stories. The central question of “Who are We?” -- as 51¶ÌÊÓƵians and as citizens of the United States of America -- will animate the final discussion on local and national civic identity.
Fall 2023 Events & ActivitiesÂ
Premiere of "51¶ÌÊÓƵ Stories" Oral History Interviews & Portrait Photographs
Panel Discussion and Exhibit Opening, Friday, October 27, 2023, 5pm
The panel discussion and exhibit events premiere the project’s final phase, an oral history initiative called “51¶ÌÊÓƵ Stories.” The exhibit features portraits by photographer Byron Maldonado of each interviewee with personal statements and evocative interviews giving voice to an array of 51¶ÌÊÓƵ experiences and connecting them, and our city, to our nation's ongoing story. Visit the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Stories page for more background on the oral history initiative.
51¶ÌÊÓƵ Stories (Panel Discussion)
51¶ÌÊÓƵ, Brennan Hall 228. 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. RSVP
Oral Histories Premier and Photo Exhibit (Public Reception)
51¶ÌÊÓƵ, Hyland Hall 407. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The exhibit runs from October 27–November 17, 2023. Visit the event page.
“Who are We as a Nation? Educating for Democracy”
Nov 16 Humanities & Hoban Forum Lecture
Keynote lecture and book signing with Dr. Danielle Allen, Harvard University political theorist and author of Justice by Means of Democracy, Nov. 16, 2023, 7-8:30pm, DeNaples Center Ballroom, The 51¶ÌÊÓƵ, free and open to the public.
Danielle Allen, PhD, is the James Bryant Conant University Professor and Director of the Allen Lab for Renovating Democracy at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center. She co-chaired the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship and is the author of numerous books including her most recent Justice by Means of Democracy. This keynote lecture with Q&A and discussion is part of the Hoban forum lecture series hosted in collaboration with the Lackawanna Bar Association and will conclude the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ's Story, Our Nation's Story initiative. Dr. Allen’s talk will consider the question “who are we?” as members of the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ community and the nation and how can we “educate for democracy” in the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States. .
Humanities Resources
51¶ÌÊÓƵ Stories Oral Histores
, Danielle Allen
, Gunnar Myrdal
Our America: Who are We? Sondra Myers