History, Rebellion, and Reconciliation is a series of public programs presented by the Museum examining race, justice, and community activism.

Watch selections from our video archives for discussions on, Ferguson and Faith, Making Revolution Irresistible, and a conversation between the Museum's Founding Director, Lonnie G. Bunch and Academy Award nominated director, Ava DuVernay and follow #HRRLive on Twitter to engage in an ongoing digital conversation.

Panel I: Ferguson: What Does This Moment Mean for America?

Explored the evolution of the media, community leadership and activism as they relate to communities organized against excessive police force and economic inequality. Moderated by Juan Williams, journalist and Fox News political analyst.

Panelists included:

  • Lisa Crooms, Howard University law professor
  • Opal Tometi, Founder of Black Lives Matter
  • F. Willis Johnson, Pastor Wellspring Church, Ferguson
  • Mychal Denzel Smith, Writer, The Nation

Interlude: Expressive Culture

A viewing of works by award-winning poet Claudia Rankine, interpreted on film by director John Lucas. The film shorts, Situation #1 through #7 are based on Ms. Rankine’s book, Citizen: An American Lyric.

On Art and History: A Conversation between Lonnie Bunch and Ava Duvernay

Director Lonnie G. Bunch and Academy Award nominagted filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussed her body of work and the creative responses of artists to culture and historical events.

Panel II: Ferguson & Faith in the 21st Century

Panelists addressed the past, present and future role of faith leadership and organizations in community mobilization and activism. Moderated by Rex Ellis, NMAAHC associate director of curatorial affairs.

Panelists include:

  • Jeff Johnson, journalist and motivational speaker
  • Renee Harrison, Howard University School of Divinity professor and former Los Angeles police officer
  • Lerone A. Martin, Assistant Professor of Religion and Politics, John C. Banforth Center on Religion and Politics, Washington University, St. Louis
  • Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, pastor, theologian, author and community organizer
  • Stephanie Wolfe, dissertation fellow John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, Washington University, St. Louis

Our Social Justice Collection

A slide presentation of social justice related objects from the Museum’s collection and select artists, with a mix from DJ Jef Tate, Dogon Society.

Panel III: #Words Matter: Making Revolution Irresistible

Panelists explore the creative community’s response to police violence and their representations of communal demand for equality. Moderated by Morgan State University professor, Jared Bell.

Panelists include:

  • Mark Bolden, psychologist and co-moderator
  • Jasiri X, rapper and community activist
  • Jamilah Lemieux, senior digital editor, Ebony magazine
  • Jef Tate: DJ, Words, Beats and Life
The responsibility of an artist representing an oppressed people is to make revolution irresistible.; Dr. Toni Cade Bambara African-American author, professor and activist
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