Presenting: Center for Brooklyn History Talks

October 14, 2020 Center for Brooklyn History
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With the recent merger of the Brooklyn Public Library and the Brooklyn Historical Society, the new Center for Brooklyn History has created a series of programs designed to bring thought-provoking and challenging explorations of history and current events to the virtual stage. This series will continue over the next few weeks.

Tuesday, October 20, 7 p.m.: Navigating the Noise: Election Coverage in the Digital Age

In 2020, voters will make choices about candidates based on information gleaned from a fragmented and polarized news ecosystem that includes a shrinking core of professional journalists competing for attention with a growing periphery of partisan opinionators and hostile foreign interlopers. Panelists include Julia Azari, associate professor of political science at Marquette University; Michael Wagner, professor of journalism and mass communications at the University of Wisconsin; and Claire Wardle, Founder and Director of First Draft. Moderated by Johanna Dunaway, professor of communication at Texas A&M University.

This is a free event. Reserve your spot here.

Thursday, October 22, 5:30 p.m.: Disinformation, Authenticity, and Democratic Participation

What role does authenticity play in building or eroding trust in politicians and institutions? Join three experts as they dig into identity, belonging, political participation and more: Sarah Banet-Weiser, professor at the London School of Economics; sociologist Francesca Tripodi of the University of North Carolina; and Andre Brock, associate professor of media studies at Georgia Tech. The program is moderated by Heidi Tworek, Associate Professor of International History and Public Policy at the University of British Columbia.

This is a free event. Reserve your spot here.

Tuesday, October 27, 7 p.m.: Lincoln’s Lie: Lessons from the Civil War on Fake News and its Consequences

Think fake news is a recent problem, a distinctive characteristic of our modern times? Think again. In her new book, Lincoln’s Lie: A True Civil War Caper Through Fake News, Wall Street, and the White House, investigative journalist Elizabeth Mitchell revisits the Civil War to explore a pivotal moment in the history of the intersection between politics and the press. From fears of draft riots, to chaos on Wall Street, to the fallout from friction between the White House and the press, Mitchell touches on a history of misinformation that is more relevant with each passing day. She is joined in conversation by Kurt Andersen, host and co-creator of public radio program Studio 360.

This is a free event. Reserve your spot here.

Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m.: Creativity Behind Bars: Self-Expression and Transformation Inside

Programs that bring arts and the humanities to prisons change lives. Creating music, theater, writing, and dance brings joy, builds resilience, and anchors incarcerated men and women to their humanity. Join us for an evening of first-hand experiences from members of two organizations dedicated to creative expression behind bars: Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA) and The Kite. Hear from artist, activist and RTA alumni Kenyatta Emmanuel, who’s shared his music in Sing Sing and Carnegie Hall; Charles Moore, the first Rehabilitation Through the Arts alumni to be hired to work full time for the organization; The Kite founder and director Gigi Blanchard, whose own time in the prison system inspires her work; and others. Readings, dance, and music are interspersed with the discussion.

This program was funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This is a free event. Reserve your spot here.

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