Enews July 2021

If you’re not a teacher, academic, or a lawyer, the concept of critical race theory might seem like something new but the debate is not a new one. At its heart is a fundamental question: How do we educate for democracy? Do we equip young people (and adults) with a narrative about our country’s founding that is rooted in the greatness and exceptionalism of individuals who are predominantly white and male? Or should the primary theme of our American story be the diversity of experiences and perspectives represented by “We the People?” For some, including examinations of power, privilege, racism, subjugation, disenfranchisement, and collective resistance in public school classes threatens the United States’ traditional, dominant narrative by incorporating “other peoples” stories. For others, these elements are critical to include because representation matters, and a more complete history increases opportunities to create an equitable and just society grounded in a constitutional democracy.

Engaging a multiplicity of voices and perspectives is the aim of our work in the public humanities. At Illinois Humanities our programs are grounded in the assumption that asking questions is integral to our society’s individual and collective abilities to understand ourselves – and to understand (and possibly change) the ways in which we relate to each other.

This is why, in the midst of national efforts like the recently released “Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy” it feels timely to be able to offer Voices and Votes and the Illinois Freedom Project, complementary traveling exhibitions about democracy and representation through our Museum on Main Street program.

Throughout the month of June, Envisioning Justice Fellow Meredith Nnoka has been attending virtual studio visits with artists and humanists throughout the state who have been commissioned through our Envisioning Justice initiative. This community is creating new works that respond to the impacts of mass incarceration and asking Illinoisans to consider questions like “how do we show up in the world everyday to create what we perceive as our values, rules, and regulations?” (Alexandra Antoine and Brandon Wyatt) and “what are our implicit biases and how to they relate to people’s stories of survival?” (Mitchell S. Jackson). (You can learn more about the Envisioning Justice Artist and Humanist Commissions here.)

Our travelling exhibitions, upcoming public conversations and education courses each, in their own way, remind us that “debates” about history education might actually be amongst the most important debates we can have. We look forward to being with you for these – and many more conversations – this summer.

Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director

Please consider making a donation to help bring free high-quality humanities programs to communities across Illinois.

MAKE A GIFT

Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration.