The Valentine has launched its new Controversy/History series which will explore contentious, present-day issues by comparing historic debates to modern data.
With Controversy/History, the Valentine has re-envisioned their long-running Community Conversation series to continue encouraging sometimes uncomfortable, but always relevant discussions that inspire action and promote progress.
“The Valentine is dedicated to providing Richmond residents with a space to have constructive, informed discussions about relevant topics,” said Valentine Director Bill Martin. “Our new Controversy/History series will use stories from our past and on-the-ground data from our present to examine the issues that mean the most to the people of the Greater Richmond region.”
At each of these events, Martin and radio host Kelli Lemon will provide biographies of individuals with opposing viewpoints from Richmond’s past. Expert speakers will then present 21st-century data that explains how these disagreements have developed and shifted over time.
“It is important to have real, tough, honest conversations about our past so we can move our city forward,” said Kelli Lemon. “I’m excited to be taking part in this platform created by the Valentine to expose all angles of some hard topics and allow us to leave the conversations with takeaways that can be applied to our current situation.”
A moderated, in-depth conversation among attendees will follow. Finally, the Capital Region Collaborative (CRC) will provide audience members with a list of concrete steps they can take to make a difference in their community.
List of dates and topics:
Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 6 to 8 p.m.
Social Stability: Voting Rights & Redistricting
Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 6 to 8 p.m.
Quality Place: Monuments & Tourism
Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 6 to 8 p.m.
Job Creation: Immigration
Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 6 to 8 p.m.
Coordinated Transportation: The Interstate Highway System
Tuesday, April 3, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
History Makers Tie-In
The Valentine is partnering with the Capital Region Collaborative
