The National Archives and the National Archives Foundation kicked off the third in its “National Conversations” series today in New York City, in partnership with the National Archives in New York City and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
The “National Conversation” focused on women’s rights, gender equality, and advocacy. The all-day event featured panel discussions and remarks by national figures including Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and award-winning broadcast anchor and CEO of Starfish Media Group Soledad O’Brien.
Held from spring 2016 to early 2017, the “National Conversation” series explores topics related to the continuing and often complicated issues of rights in our modern era, including: immigration rights/reform, civil rights and individual freedom, and women’s rights and gender equality. The “National Conversation on Rights and Justice: Women’s Rights and Gender Equality” was held in New York thanks to its rich history of honoring women and families, from the suffragette movement to the fight for equal rights today.
“It is astounding that just 100 years ago, women did not have the right to vote. While now that right is uncontested, the issue of gender equality is still being debated,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “Abigail Adams’ words ‘Remember the Ladies’ echo today, and remind us that while there have been historic strides, there is still much work to be done to make this a more perfect union.”
The National Archives Foundation has created an online portal where visitors can watch a livestream of the event and engage in discussions via social media. Follow the discussion using #RightsAndJustice and learn more at: www.AmendingAmerica.org.
The “National Conversation on Rights and Justice” is presented in part by AT&T, Ford Foundation, Seedlings Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the National Archives Foundation.
Special thanks to Perkins Coie for their support of this event in New York City.
“AT&T is proud to support today’s ‘National Conversation’ in New York City, as we have in a number of cities nationwide over the past year. As the home of the Seneca Falls Convention that launched the women’s rights movement 168 years ago, this city is the perfect place to host a dialogue on the past, present and future of women’s fight for equality. We hope that today’s discussion will not only educate, but also create an opportunity to discover new insights on such a rich part of New York history,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President, AT&T New York.
In addition to Mr. Ferriero and Ms. Shorenstein, opening remarks were provided by Rep. Nadler, Speaker Mark-Viverito, and Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England.
Three engaging panels took place throughout the day:
- Andrea Flynn, of the Roosevelt Institute, moderated the first panel, focused on gender equality and human rights, with speakers Alondra Nelson, Columbia University; Suzan Shown Harjo, The Morning Star Institute; and Allida Black, George Washington University.
- The second panel addressed current issues facing women today, including health and reproduction rights, family issues, race, and violence. Also moderated by Ms. Flynn, panelists included Suzanne Braun Levine, Ms. Magazine; Stephanie Toti, Center for Reproductive Rights; and Noreen Farrell, Equal Rights Advocates.
- The final panel, moderated by Ms. O’Brien, focused on financial empowerment and challenges facing women in business, technology, and education, and included a discussion among Marianne Schnall, Feminist.com; Dana Edell, SPARK; Avis Jones-DeWeever, Exceptional Leadership Institute for Women; and Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls.
The panels were followed by a performance by poet Aja Monet, and a closing keynote address by Joelle Gamble of the Roosevelt Institute.
The first “National Conversation,” held in Atlanta, focused on civil rights and justice and featured a Q&A between former President Jimmy Carter and CEO of the National Civil and Human Rights Center, Derreck Kayongo. The second “National Conversation,” held in Chicago, focused on the challenges to and future of civil and human rights for the LGBTQ community and featured a keynote by noted author and poet Richard Blanco. The next event on “Immigration: Barriers & Access” will be held in November at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Archived video and further details on the series are available at: https://archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/conversations.
The “National Conversation” series is running in conjunction with Amending America, open now in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The exhibition showcases both successful and unsuccessful attempts to amend the Constitution as part of the National Archives’ commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.
About the National Archives: The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at www.archives.gov.
About the National Archives Foundation: The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at archivesfoundation.org.
About the National Archives at New York City: The National Archives at New York City maintains the historically significant records of Federal agencies and courts in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, dating from 1685 to the present. It also holds select microfilm publications of the National Archives and provides access to a variety of online historical resources. Since 2012, NARA NYC has been headquartered at the historic, 107 year old Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, which is a designated National Historic Landmark and also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For more information about the National Archives at New York City, visit: www.archives.gov/nyc.
About the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) cares for one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. NMAI is committed to amplifying Native voices throughout the museum’s publications and communication channels, as well as each of its three venues. The museum is also dedicated to acting as a resource for the hemisphere’s Native communities and to serving the greater public as an honest and thoughtful conduit to Native cultures—present and past—in all their richness, depth, and diversity. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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