“Who are the “we” in “We the People of the United States . . .”
Thursday, February 24th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
Guest Speaker: Janea D. Harris of Insight Advocacy will give a short introduction and then moderate topics including:
- Who are the “we” in “We the People of the United States…?”
- Does the United States have a “national character” — what defines it and how has it changed over time?
- What does being a “citizen” mean? What does productive, imaginative, and engaged citizenship look like at this time in our history?
- What happens to the idea of a shared American identity (liberty, equality, individualism, populism? laissez-faire?) when social mobility declines along with trust in American institutions?
Janea D. Harris is an author (All Girls Have Sup-Her Powers, The Power of Voice, Through the Window of Winter the Rabbit) and poet who loves using creative writing to help children gain a better understanding of complex topics. As an educator, she learned that children often discover lasting life-long lessons in the books that they read. As a newer resident of Highland Park she will share some of her initial experiences after moving to the city, events which led her to co-found Insight Advocacy, with the mission to advocate for inclusion and diversity in our community by providing visibility, insight, and resources to support families of color.
Seeking Out the Other takes on the format of a community potluck meal. Attendees are encouraged to bring food that represents their own background or their family traditions. Plates, flatware and a variety of beverages will be provided.
This event is a continuation of the series ‘Seeking Out the Other’, a collaboration between the Highland Park Library, the Highwood Library, The Justice Project, and The Art Center Highland Park. Part of the Arts in Action initiative of The Art Center Highland Park, the evening’s structure and format was created by Chad Clark, Assistant Director of The Highland Park Public Library.
For reservations, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seeking-out-the-other-a-community-building-discussion-and-potluck-tickets-264733273347