Reflecting on history: A gathering of minds at the Academy Museum
A day of dialogue and reflection
In a remarkable convergence of minds, two former Presidents, a former first lady, and a host of historians, authors, academics, and journalists gathered at the Academy Museum for a History Talks event. This gathering aimed to draw lessons from the nation’s past to shed light on the current polarization. The event, hosted by A+E Networks’ History Channel, was a blend of insightful conversations and reflections on pivotal moments in history.
The decade of indignation
The 2010s were described as “a decade of indignation,” a period marked by intense emotions and societal upheaval. However, as we move forward, there is a palpable desire for something more joyful and uplifting. This sentiment was echoed by various speakers throughout the event, highlighting a collective yearning for positivity and unity.
Engaging conversations with former Presidents
The event featured engaging Q&A sessions with notable figures, including President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush, along with former first lady Laura Bush. President Obama, in a lively discussion with Malcolm Gladwell, delved into his reflections on past Presidents and the challenges they faced. He highlighted the profound impact of figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing their ability to fundamentally change how we perceive ourselves and our relationships with one another.
“Folks like King, Gandhi, Lincoln — there are certain figures that I just put in a different category, because they reach down deep into our psyches, our souls and they change how we fundamentally think about ourselves and our relationships to each other,” Obama remarked.
A celebration of storytelling and media
The event also celebrated the power of storytelling and media in shaping culture and driving social change. Eva Longoria, in a conversation with musician John Legend, underscored the importance of media in influencing cultural norms and policies. Longoria’s long history of political activism was a testament to her belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
“I found out that you have to change culture before you can change policy,” Longoria said. “There’s no greater influence on the culture than the media.”
Highlights from the sessions
Kate Winslet on ‘Lee’
Kate Winslet shared her inspiration from the journalist Elizabeth “Lee” Miller, the subject of her upcoming movie Lee. Winslet spoke passionately about Miller’s courage and her role as a visual voice for the innocent victims of conflict during WWII.
Kevin Costner’s love for the American West
Kevin Costner, known for his roles in Yellowstone and Horizon, discussed his childhood experiences that fueled his fascination with the American West. A pivotal visit to the Cinerama Dome to see the epic Western “How the West Was Won” left a lasting impression on him, shaping his storytelling journey.
“As much as I love the west I’m sad almost every time I watch a real story about it,” Costner reflected. “It ends so badly for people who were here for thousands of years.”
Nicole Avant on ‘The Six Triple Eight’
Producer Nicole Avant joined Kerry Washington to discuss the upcoming Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, directed by Tyler Perry. The film, set to release on December 20, tells the incredible story of an all-female battalion that solved the military’s mail delivery crisis during WWII. Avant highlighted the significance of this little-known story and its impact on the war effort.
“The idea that no one can get it done for years and then they bring in a battalion of Black and brown women who figured it out and changed the game and helped us win the war,” Avant said.
A gathering of industry leaders
The event drew a large crowd from the entertainment industry, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and CBS chief George Cheeks. Their presence underscored the importance of historical reflection and storytelling in shaping contemporary culture.
Reflections on impactful speeches
President Obama reflected on one of his personal highlights as an orator, his 2015 speech marking the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. He described the significance of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and its profound impact on the nation’s history.
“It’s probably my favorite speech because you’ve got John Lewis, kids in the backpack, maids, Pullman porters, young priests and rabbis and they’re on one side of this bridge. On the other side of this bridge, you have state power, right? And you have horses and billy clubs. There’s this contest on that bridge that is as important as Concord or Lexington or Appomattox, because it’s fundamentally a contest about who we are,” Obama said.
A look ahead
As the event concluded, it left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the power of history and storytelling. The conversations and reflections shared at the Academy Museum serve as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past to navigate the challenges of the present and future.