We often hear that we are living in “unprecedented times,” but anyone who has studied history knows that there are many similarly dangerous, chaotic, paradigm shifting moments from the past that we can look to and learn from. That is what the Silence Dogood Precedented Times Town Hall series has set out to uncover. Pairing historians in conversation with civil rights organizers, these events explore how resistance is inherited.
Last week we hosted our first such Town Hall event at Old North Church. Historians Jane Kamensky (President and CEO of
@tjmonticello ) and Kyera Singleton (Executive Director of
@royallhouse1737 ) joined civil rights organizers
@rahsaandhall (President and CEO of
@ulem105 ) and Carol Rose (Executive Director of
@aclu_mass ) to discuss Boston’s many-layered legacies of resistance on the eve of American Independence and how we can continue that work today.
@amandasheaallday started the program off with a poem that captured the essence of Boston’s enduring call to freedom. Throughout the evening attendees contributed messages which illuminated the Old North Church bell tower, which once again served as a beacon of resistance.
Thanks to
@masshumanities ,
@oldnorth1723 , and
@illuminus for making the event possible through funding, hosting, and event production. Thanks to
@gbhforumnetwork for recording the event and making it available to watch soon! Thanks to
@jackdarylphotography , as always, for the beautiful photos!
