What Is to Be Done? Responding to the Current Crisis
This panel discussion will offer ideas on what museums can, should, and must do in response to recent indiscriminate cuts to the federal government, the dismantling of agencies, the dissemination of false and misleading statements, and efforts to censor critical responses from organizations and individuals. Panelists for this initial discussion are:
Ashanti Davis (she/they) is a Visual Artist, Thinker, Social Justice Advocate, and Arts and Culture Innovator who believes in the power of art, curiosity, and creativity to create meaningful change. She has led interdisciplinary teams in the development of unique STE(A)M experiences and has co-instigated and chaired internal groups for DEAI. She is the Community Experiences Designer for Pueblo LLC and the co-founder and Executive Director for The Unless Society. She is also an Alumni Fellow of the ASTC Leadership and Diversity Fellowship program and Advisor for the ARTS at King Street Station program in Seattle, WA.
Shawn Halifax, the founder of Stono History Consulting, collaborates with people to preserve and share their history following his principles for ethically interpreting history. He created and facilitates the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture's Ethical Interpretation Workshop. His work centers on developing interpretation of under and misrepresented history by helping museums and sites integrate histories that balance trauma and resiliency and prepare employees to sustainably engage in interpretation. He's committed to facilitating experiences for people to gain deeper understandings of each other and believes space must be left for all to learn without judgment or exclusion.
Lance Wheeler is the Vice President of Learning & Engagement at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, where he leads impactful educational programs and tours. A respected curator, museum practitioner, and cultural strategist, he has worked with institutions such as the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute, the Two Mississippi Museums, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Wheeler specializes in community engagement, civil rights history, and innovative museum experiences. His work emphasizes the power of storytelling, education, and cultural preservation to bridge the past with the present and inspire meaningful dialogue for the future.
Topic: MUSEUMS AND CHANGE
Time: Apr 10, 2025 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87229007623
Meeting ID: 872 2900 7623