Nevada Humanities launches new initiative: ‘A More Perfect Union’
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 01/13/2022 - 8:00am
Nevada Humanities announces a new initiative of humanities-based programming through 2022 entitled A More Perfect Union. Nevada Humanities’ A More Perfect Union initiative is designed to demonstrate and enhance the critical role the humanities play in our nation.
Programs will deepen appreciation for the connections between the humanities, our community stories, and a commitment to understanding the founding of the United States in all its complexities. Nevada Humanities has been awarded $50,000 by the National Endowment for the Humanities to support this program.
Nevada Humanities joins 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils and interim partners across the United States that will be conducting programs throughout the course of the initiative. A More Perfect Union explores the essential role the humanities play in our nation and supports programs that help Americans celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The initiative began in October 2021 and will run through September 2022.
Funding to Nevada Humanities will help support the implementation of a series of conversation programs throughout Nevada, one exhibition in the Nevada Humanities Program Gallery, and other projects that reflect on, and tell the stories of, our quest for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Christina Barr, Executive Director of Nevada Humanities, notes: “As we begin to contemplate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, especially in the wake of the turmoil and issues that have evolved over the past two years in our nation, it is important to gather together to ask important questions about the founding of our democracy and how, as citizens, we can support democratic principles and civic participation in our communities. A More Perfect Union will do just that. Throughout 2022, Nevada Humanities is facilitating these conversations with diverse communities across the state. We hope you will be able to join us for these programs and contribute to the ideas and perspectives that emerge.”
Upcoming programs in this initiative include:
An Introduction to Black Springs, part of the A More Perfect Union series, will be held virtually in partnership with Our Story, Inc., Reno Historical, Historic Reno Preservation Society, and the Nevada Museum of Art, at 6 - 7:30 pm PST on January 20, 2022. This event features a discussion and Q+A about the development and growth of Black Springs, Nevada—an historically Black neighborhood located in the North Valleys a few miles from downtown Reno—from the 1940s to today, including the struggle and fight for basic infrastructure for the residents of Black Springs. The conversation will be moderated by Angie Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer for Guardian Quest, Inc. This event will feature past and present residents and community supporters of Black Springs, including Helen Townsell-Parker and Demetrice Dalton, with an overview of some ongoing collaborative projects to document and promote the neighborhood's history from historian Alicia Barber. The evening will stress the importance of storytelling and the unshakable drive to build community. This virtual event requires advance registration; register at nevadahumanities.org.
Building a More Perfect Union: A Conversation with Danielle Allen will be held virtually on February 2, 2022, at 4 - 5 pm PST. Harvard University-based political theorist and visionary Danielle Allen will discuss the importance of civics in education and in everyday life, and the strategies and recommendations that may help our nation emerge and grow as a more robust and resilient democracy. Allen will be in conversation with Debra Moddelmog, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the conversation will be followed by audience Q+A. This event is produced in partnership with the Humanities Center at Great Basin College. This virtual event requires advance registration; register at nevadahumanities.org.
Other upcoming A More Perfect Union events will be announced at nevadahumanities.org.
About Nevada Humanities: Nevada Humanities is one of 56 independent, nonprofit state and territorial humanities councils affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. With offices in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada Humanities creates public programs and supports public projects statewide that define the Nevada experience and facilitate the exploration of issues that matter to the people of Nevada and their communities. For more information about Nevada Humanities visit nevadahumanities.org.
