The Power of Place: Democratizing the Semiquincentennial in Philly

Exploring how Philly is democratizing the Semiquincentennial by centering Black history and expanding narratives of America’s founding.
About this Event

Our national celebrations have been a time to reflect on the republic's creation, heritage, and ideals. The Black presence contradicts the "storybook" idea of this nation's founding as a "white republic." As a result, African Americans' founding-era contributions have been marginalized during the Centennial, Sesquicentennial, Bicentennial, and now the Semiquincentennial. The Philadelphia community has challenged this "storybook" conception of our nation's founding. Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story, a feature-length film about the founding era through the lens of Philadelphia's African community, is one example of how the Semiquincentennial is being democratized. This talk will review this project and others in the city.

This event will be held at the new at

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

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