“Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past”

Secretary Bunch announces a national forum that will be held August 26, at 7:00 p.m., EDT.

As part of the Smithsonian’s ongoing effort to lead a national conversation about race, one of the country’s most enduring and consequential concerns, I am pleased to announce the kickoff of our new Institution-wide initiative, “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past.” This national initiative is founded on resources from across the Smithsonian to explore how Americans understand, experience, and confront the critical issues of race and racism and the lasting impact they have on the health, economy, and social fabric of the nation.  It features virtual and live events across the country as well as digital content, storytelling, and learning resources for students and educators. You can learn more by visiting the “Race and Our Shared Future” website, oursharedfuture.si.edu.

The “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past” Forum takes place Thursday, August 26. This virtual event will be filmed in Los Angeles and live-streamed free for the public to watch online starting at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET. The forum will focus on race and wealth and race and wellness, exploring the complex systems driving racial inequality in America, from early race science to how racial disparities have been exposed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Sessions will explore the history and impact of race science, the connection between race, health care and wealth, mental health and generational trauma, and highlight local organizations that are reimagining a better future.

At this pivotal moment in history, we must come together and talk openly about the complexities of race and the effects of racism that continue to touch all aspects of American society. “Race and Our Shared Future” adds to the Smithsonian’s 175-year legacy of using its content and expertise to help all Americans seek a better, shared future, one that puts us on a more inclusive path toward being a more perfect union.

I am very proud of the Smithsonian’s work every day and how we have used our content, scholarship, collections, and science to help our nation and the global community address important contemporary issues. I encourage you to be part of “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past” by engaging with our social media channels, sharing stories and questions with colleagues, and offering suggestions about making the Smithsonian a more welcoming and open environment for all.

Thank you so much for your time and effort. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Sincerely

Lonnie G. Bunch
Secretary

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