Page 61 - ACTL Journal Win24

information, only then is true change and a reckoning with the past possible. In this regard, Jeff was characteris- tically blunt with the dichotomy at the heart of this issue:
“America has demonstrated its greatness time and time and time again. And America is one of the most racist countries on the face of the earth. Those two things are not mutually exclusive. It is not an either or.”
Jeff continued: “I hope we get to a point where the narra- tive in the United States about our past is one that is true, not to tear ourselves down, but to reckon with where we started and how far we need to go to get to the true promise of our country.”
Through the work of The Who We Are Project, Jeff is continuing the work to bring the truth to light, to in- spire honest and open conversations about it, and to train others to join in the work. The Who We Are Proj- ect continues to create content, including an animated short film about the election of 1876, narrated by Tom Hanks entitled How to Rig an Election. Jeff is also cre- ating and implementing a training program for young people across the country, to teach them to do original source document research, to present what is essential- ly an opening and a closing, and to engage people in their community on this topic. “We want a generation
of young people who know the truth about our history and are prepared to talk about it in a way that is com- pelling and helpful.”
The Who We Are Project will return to Memphis in March 2024 for its first ever “Days of Learning” event at the National Civil Rights Museum (formerly the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated). This two-day event will feature a screening of the documen- tary film with a panel discussion on Friday evening and a Saturday event involving local, state, and national speakers addressing issues of anti-Black racism and how we can move beyond those problems in our quest for a more perfect union. To find out more about The Who We Are Project’s plans for next year and beyond, visit the website at www.thewhoweareproject.org.
Malaika M. Eaton Seattle, WA
WINTER 2024 JOURNAL 60
And that sums up Jeff’s presentation to the College and his approach generally. To speak the truth, but also to do it in a way that is accessible and helpful, rather than aggressive and confrontational. To speak the truth in a way that helps people listen. Because that is the building block for change.