Dialogue for Action: Systemic Racism and the Death Penalty
This discussion delves into the historical and contemporary issues surrounding racial disparities within the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on capital punishment. Expert panelists, including community leaders, legal scholars, and activists will explore how race influences who is sentenced to capital punishment and how these practices reflect a broader pattern of racial injustices.
Recorded on October 24, 2024
Excavated: From Soil to Stars
Co-directed by Emmy Award-winning director Alphonzo J. Wesson and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s Social Justice Curator, Trudy Gaba, Excavated: From Soil to Stars follows Gaba’s journey to connect with the land upon which the Freedom Center’s nineteenth century slave pen was excavated in 2002.
Recorded on October 12, 2024
Minting Freedom: Discussion with US Mint Director Ventris Gibson
In 2022, Congress passed Public law 117-163 known as the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act which “directs the U.S. Mint to issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and a half dollar clad coin.” Join us as Director Gibson, the 40th Director of the U.S. Mint and first Black woman appointed to this position, champions the importance of learning Black history and the significance of highlighting Black women in history while giving inspiration to younger generations.
Recorded on July 20, 2024
Triumph Over Trafficking 2024: Empowering victims, prosecuting perpetrators and inspiring education
Presented by Eyes Open International in partnership with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Triumph Over Trafficking is a beacon of hope, uniting our efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal migration.
Recorded on May 2, 2024
Harriet Tubman: A Legacy Of Hope
Karen V. Hill, president & CEO of The Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, NY, discusses the lesser-known history of freedom icon Harriet Tubman. Through a combination of storytelling and mythbusting, Ms. Hill connects Tubman’s life to key issues that still resonate today.
Recorded on March 6, 2024
Why Kids Need Truthful History Classes
Our inaugural Carter G. Woodson Roundtable examines the importance of teaching children about inclusion, diversity, and social justice in schools.
Recorded on February 15, 2024
King Legacy Celebration: Advocacy and Action
A morning of music, reflection and a call to action in celebration of the life and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2024 program featured performances by Adrian Dunn and the Adrian Dunn Singers and keynote by Dr. Adren Wilson, Vice President of Youth Opportunity Programs and Executive Director of the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
Recorded on January 15, 2024
An Inupiat in Ohio
A presentation by Robert Cross who shares his story as a Native Alaskan and owner of an Underground Railroad safe house in Ohio.
Recorded on November 19, 2023
Freedom Lecture: Food, Tradition & Wellness with Dr. Jessica B. Harris
Dr. Jessica B. Harris is considered by many to be one of the ranking authorities on the food of the African Diaspora. A New York Times bestselling author, she is the author, editor or translator of eighteen books, including twelve cookbooks documenting the foodways of the African Diaspora. Her award-winning book, High on the Hog, was the basis for the acclaimed Peabody Award-winning Netflix series of the same name.
Recorded on June 22, 2023
Juneteenth: A Legacy of Race and Identity in North America | Panel Discussion
Join us for a discussion about Juneteenth and the legacy of Race and Identity.
Recorded on June 19, 2023
Panel Discussion: Women Who Tell Our Stories
We hosted a roundtable discussion inspired by the 2023 Women’s History Month theme "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories" that recognizes "women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media." Five remarkable women shared their stories, exploring the legacy and current prospects of Black women in media and other streams of social engagement.
Recorded on March 19, 2023
Before The Banks — Black Brigade
Have you heard the story of the Black Brigade? Dive in to this piece of Cincinnati history with this short video provided by The Banks Public Partnership.
Shine A Light: Case Study
A new addition to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's Invisible: Slavery Today gallery will help guests understand what human trafficking looks like in Ohio and provide resources to become involved in stopping it as modern-day abolitionists.
Freedom Summer of ‘64 Award ceremony and panel discussion
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center receives Miami University's 2022 Freedom Summer of ‘64 Award for its efforts in advocating for social justice. A panel discussion called “Race: A Necessary Dialogue in America” followed the ceremony, featuring CBS News national correspondent Jeff Pegues (Miami ’92) as moderator and panelists Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, author and journalist Wil Haygood (Miami ’76), and Northern Kentucky University professor of sociology Joan Ferrante.
Recorded on September 22, 2022
Unmasking the Realities: The State of Hate in America and Pathways Forward
In partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Coalition Against Hate (CRCAH), we have a meaningful conversation exploring the climate and social realities of hate.
Recorded on September 28, 2022
Freedom Lecture with Phil Armstrong: From Enslavement to Prosperity
Explore the legacies of resilience from the Underground Railroad era through the early 20th century with special guest Philip Keith Armstrong, interim executive director of Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center.
Recorded on September 16, 2022
Unpacking The Underground Railroad
We kicked off International Underground Railroad Month with a panel discussion about the history and the legacy of the Underground Railroad. Panelists included Dr. Christy Hyman, Rita R. Thomas and William Parrish.
Recorded on September 7, 2022
Let's Talk: What is Freedom to the System Impacted?
In this discussion, we define and promote the use of "system impacted" language and unpack the systemic barriers related to the penal system and anti-recidivism legislation.
Recorded on July 19, 2022
Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair
This discussion examines how Black hair has evolved throughout history. Drs. Ellington and Underwood will present their research in contemporary art, visual culture and material culture that explores how the stories of peoples of African descent are expressed through their hair. There will also be a live demonstration and commentary by Keva Davis, a local hair stylist in based in Cincinnati.
Recorded on May 12, 2022
Unmasking the Realities: Reconstructing the Truth of Ourstory
When did you discover there was more to our history than what was revealed in the classrooms or textbooks? This meaningful conversation gathers a forum of scholars to address the miseducation and falsehoods we’ve been taught through the educational system in relation to social studies.
Released on April 7, 2022
Virtual Gallery Talk: The Legacy of Macon Bolling Allen
Three experts in the legal field discuss Macon Bolling Allen's perseverance on his journey to becoming the first African American lawyer, as well as his impact and legacy in the legal field.
Released on March 16, 2022
Ask the Curator: Discussion with Designing Justice Artist & Curator Luba Lukova
Who is Luba Lukova? Get to know the Artist & Curator behind Designing Justice.
Recorded on March 1, 2022
Food for Freedom
This meaningful discussion with change agents seeks to incite a greater vision of social and economic justice; improved nutrition and health; and community activism while addressing the disproportionate burden of social barriers to healthy foods.
Recorded on February 22, 2022
Shedding the Shame: How Social Issues Disproportionately Impact the Health and Wellness of African Americans
This virtual discussion follows the 2022 Black History Month theme of “Black Health and Wellness” highlighting how the African American community can practice activities and rituals to uplift and empower themselves through health and wellness.
Recorded on February 12, 2022
Let's Talk: Human Trafficking Awareness 2022
Modern prohibitions of human trafficking in the U.S. are rooted in the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which barred slavery and involuntary servitude in 1865. Credibly connecting historic and modern slavery provides a broader, deeper understanding of slavery across time that will inspire a new generation of conductors. Join us for a meaningful discussion as we explore the current state of human trafficking with the impact of the pandemic and continuous systemic racial inequities.
Recorded on January 11, 2022
Reconsidering Angela Davis: Reflections on Engagement and Societal Transformations
Join us for a conversation about the great Angela Davis, the iconic twentieth century educator, scholar and activist.
Recorded on December 7, 2021
Storytime | Little Brown Boy
Watch a dramatic reading of Little Brown Boy by Robert Marshall, illustrated by Anthony Gonzalez and read by Deondra Kamau Means of the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. The book is an affirmation for young boys to dream big without limitation, and to be bold, confident and proud of their brown skin. This dramatic reading was made possible by the generous support of PNC Bank.
Released on November 22, 2021
Unmasking the Realities: Conscious and Unconscious Bias in Urban Planning
This meaningful discussion with thought-leaders explores not only the historical impact of urban planning, but the current state of urban planning and how communities of color continue to be impacted today.
Recorded on November 18, 2021
Fall Youth Summit: Lights, Camera, Representation
This summit features conversations around the subject of representation and authentic diversity across industries including entertainment, education, public health and more.
Recorded on November 13, 2021
Unmasking the Realities: CommUNITY and Racial Healing
Community is a feeling of fellowship with others, as result of sharing common cultures, interests, and goals. Racial healing recognizes the needs to acknowledge and promote the truth about past wrongs based on the social construct of race by persons and systems and address the present consequences. How does the concepts of community and racial healing converge to move us forward towards greater equity and respect?
Recorded on September 22, 2021
Educator Open House: The Idea of Mattering is Essential
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is excited to present our 2nd virtual Educator Open House and we welcome teachers and school administrators to join us. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s Online Learning Resources, learn about the museum’s youth programs and School-on-Freedom opportunities, and other educational initiatives.
Recorded on September 16, 2021
Gallery Talk featuring Rebecca Nava Soto
Join us for a conversation with Truth and Reconciliation Visual Artist Rebecca Nava Sotto, artist and curator of the Edge Project.
Recorded on September 10, 2021
Unmasking the Realities: The Subjectivity of Law and Order
This candid conversation unmasks the politics of law and order as well as the realities of the social construct of race and the consequences of systemic racism within law enforcement.
Recorded on July 22, 2021
2021 Summer Youth Summit: A Path to Prevail
This summit was a series of discussions, presentations, and performances hosted by youth, young professionals, and community leaders. Discussions also highlighted how young people can get involved in activism and community advocacy.
Recorded on July 10, 2021
Music of Change: Protest, Uplift, and Hope
With the backdrop of Black Music Appreciation Month, this webinar explored the linkage between music, folklore. and rituals of Africa and the continuing evolution of African American Music. This discussion aims to honor the history and the legacy of music derived from the African diaspora.
Recorded on June 24, 2021
Modern Day Abolitionism: Mass Incarceration and Racial Justice (Part II)
Incarceration inflicts short and long-term harms on the lives of those incarcerated as well as their loved ones and communities. This webinar discusses the myriad collateral consequences of criminal conviction, including impediments to the restoration of rights, social stigma and re-entry, and the impact incarceration has on families, including children of (formerly) incarcerated parents.
Recorded on May 25, 2021
Growing Into the Struggle for Racial Justice
Young people have been at the forefront of Black Lives Matter protests around the world, taking to the streets and the web to fight for justice and a better world. Young leaders in Cincinnati come together to discuss their experiences growing up and growing into political consciousness in the wake of Timothy Thomas’s murder and the subsequent Civil Unrest in 2001. Panelists reflect on how the events of 2001 impacted community responses to the murders of Sam Dubose in 2015 and George Floyd in 2020, and how protest and activism in Cincinnati have changed over the last 20 years.
Recorded on May 25, 2021
Film Discussion: Still I Rise
Watch a virtual discussion about the ground-breaking documentary film Still I Rise with guests Sheri Shuster (Director and Producer) and Holly Joshi (Senior Research Consultant at Bright Research Group). The film explores the relationship between racism and sex trafficking with the dynamic womxn closest to the problem and solutions. Filmed over the course of five years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Still I Rise follows the lives of brilliant pioneering advocates, Holly Joshi and Leah Albright.
Recorded on April 22, 2021.
Storytime | Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice
In partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®, we invite you to experience a dramatic reading of Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Laura Freeman. This children's picture book (recommended for ages 4-8) is a political leader's origin story, focusing especially on her youth as the child of immigrants. This experience was developed with the generous support of PNC Bank.
Released on April 17, 2021
Modern Day Abolitionism: Mass Incarceration and Racial Justice (Part I)
Race, criminalization, and incarceration have long been linked in the United States. This webinar focuses on the role of structural racism in the colossal growth of incarceration rates, making the U.S. prison industrial complex the world’s largest. Experts in the field of law and civil rights discuss the roots of mass incarceration and ways to decrease and eliminate society’s reliance on criminalization and punishment. Take-up the mantle of modern-day abolitionism and learn more about how to end these forms of unfreedom today.
Recorded on April 13, 2021
Unmasking the Realities: This is Our America
After witnessing the display of incivility at the US Capitol in January 2021, many questioned, "Is this who we are?" Presented in partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Coalition Against Hate, this discussion unpacks the social realities confronting our communities with special guests Felicia Bell, Christina Proenza-Coles, Wendy Ellis and Duane Moore.
Recorded on March 31, 2021
Unapologetically Speaking: Unpacking Black Feminism
Black feminism provides a prospective through which we can better understand one another and move towards a greater opportunity for justice. This powerful conversation examines the legacy of women’s suffrage and today’s feminist movement through the lens of Black women, unpacking the history of feminism while highlighting the importance of intersectionality moving forward. Panelists include Dr. Djanna Hill (William Paterson University), Dr. Treva Lindsey (The Ohio State University) and Dr. Carolette Norwood (University of Cincinnati).
Recorded on March 11, 2021
The Bonds of Family and Legacy
The black family has been a topic of study in many disciplines and offers a rich tapestry of images for exploring the African American realities of the past and present. Presented in partnership with the African American Program of the Senator John Heinz History Center (Pittsburgh, PA), the discussion includes Christin Haynes (founder of Black Family Scholar), Dr. Jessica Harris (award winning journalist and African Diaspora foodways expert) and Dr. Eric Jackson (Professor of History and Director of Black World Studies at Northern Kentucky University).
Recorded on February 11, 2021
Let’s Talk: Human Trafficking Awareness
Philip Langford, President of the International Justice Mission United States, joined us for a virtual gallery talk. Langford leads cohorts responsible for IJM’s constituent, government and institutional partnerships. He drives the core US strategies and engagements that fuel IJM’s growth around the globe. With the backdrop of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Langford and Miller discussed various topics related to modern day enslavement including the impact of the global pandemic on IJM’s efforts in combating modern-day slavery.
Released on January 30, 2021
Human Rights: Fair Food at the Kitchen Table
This discussion focuses on the experiences of migrant farm workers to better understand how their working conditions and rights are central to combating human trafficking and ensuring a just food system. Experts discuss the legacies of slave economies and immigration law on contemporary migrant farm workers’ rights, as well as the ongoing farmworker civil rights movement. The discussion also highlights the ongoing work of the Coalition for Immokalee Workers, an internationally recognized farmworker organization, and features two anti-trafficking scholar-activists.
Recorded on January 22, 2021
Human Trafficking: Who’s at Risk?
Anybody can fall prey to human traffickers but some populations are more at risk than others. Those who face racism, sexism, and other social barriers are particularly vulnerable to this form of modern-day enslavement. This meaningful moderated discussion with Dr. Earl Lewis and Ra’Shya Ghee explores the intersection of human trafficking, race, gender, and class.
Recorded on January 13, 2021
Virtual Happy Hour with the Women of Uncle Nearest
Guests Victoria Eady Butler and Rawnica Dillingham from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey join us to share the story of Nearest Green and guide us through a tasting of the nation's most awarded whiskey (and bourbon) brand of 2019 and 2020. As a special bonus, local Mixologist and business owner, Erin Fox of Foxtails, demonstrates how to craft an Uncle Nearest Whiskey Cocktail at home.
Recorded on December 7, 2020
Let’s Talk: Human Trafficking Awareness
In collaboration with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Miller, a Senior Director at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, sat down with acclaimed composer, Anthony Davis, and accomplished clarinetist, Anthony McGill. In this meaningful discussion, they examine the social realties tied to "You Have the Right to Remain Silent", a piece that derives its inspiration from the Miranda Rights warning. In the piece, the clarinet soloist is being interrogated by the orchestra as the orchestra utters “You Have the Right to Remain Silent.”
Recorded on November 24, 2020
Gallery Talk with Dawn Knickerbocker
Guest Dawn Knickerbocker joins us for a virtual gallery talk in honor of Native American Heritage Month. She shares her personal family story and some of the challenges faced by indigenous people in the US today.
Recorded on November 14, 2020
Unpacking Voter Suppression: A Virtual Discussion with Gloria Steinem
In recognition of 2020 as a Presidential Election year, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosted a candid conversation about voting rights with writer, lecturer, political activist, and feminist organizer Gloria Steinem. The discussion was moderated by Malcom Johnson, an award-winning producer at FOX19 Now in Cincinnati, OH.
Recorded on October 22, 2020
Unmasking the Realities: Racial Equity in Education
Racial equity is corrective justice for communities that have suffered oppression due to a long history of legislated or institutionalized racism. Many people may not realize there is an equity problem in education because their individual experiences or biases don’t allow them to see inequity. Yet there are visible disparities in student outcomes, teacher performance, curriculum, admission practices and more linked to race.
Christopher Miller, our Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement, facilitated a candid conversation...
Recorded on August 27, 2020
Women's Suffrage & the 19th Amendment
2020 marks the 100 year anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote in the United States. In this virtual gallery talk, Katie Bramell (Director of Museum Experiences) and Chris Miller (Sr. Director of Education & Community Engagement) examine both the successes and challenges of the women’s suffrage movement. Bringing the conversation into the 21st century, they also touch on voting rights and the obstacles we face today.
Released on August 17, 2020
Unmasking the Realities: Law & Order, Peace & Justice
The trend of fatal police shootings in the U.S. appears to be increasing, with a total of 506 civilians—105 of whom were Black—shot by the police as of June 30, 2020. The Black Lives Matter movement, formed in 2013, has been a vocal part of the movement against police brutality in the U.S. Yet this is not a recent phenomenon—there have been concerns about the relationship between police and the Black community for over a century.
Christopher Miller, our Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement, facilitates a candid conversation with members of law enforcement about the legacy of policing, current challenges and constructive solutions to improving the relationship between the police and community...
Recorded on July 29, 2020
Unmasking the Realities: Mental Health Under the Weight of Racism and COVID-19
Within the Black community, experiences of racism and the detrimental impact racism has on equitable access to resources (including education, housing, health care, etc.) are often acknowledged and discussed. We less frequently discuss the impact racism has on mental health. Christopher Miller, our Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement, facilitates a meaningful discussion with practitioners Dr. Calisha Brooks and Dr. Jeffery Menzise...
Recorded on June 25, 2020
Unmasking the Realities: Voices of Social Justice
Under the veil of COVID-19, inequities and injustices are being revealed. The killing of George Floyd was a tipping point of national unrest, responding to the continued degradation of black lives. Christopher Miller, Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center holds a meaningful discussion with three emerging leaders and activists to explore the barriers and concerns that have led to the social unrest of today...
Recorded on June 08, 2020.
Freedom Lecture: Force and Freedom | Dr Kellie Carter Jackson
Historian, Author, and Educator, Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson, speaks about her new book "Force & Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence" (University of Pennsylvania Press) in honor of Black History Month...
Recorded on February 6, 2020
2019 Educator Open House Keynote: Shaun King
In conjunction with the groundbreaking premiere of the exhibition Men of Change. Power. Triumph. Truth., the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is honored to host one of the country’s most critical writers and civil rights activists. Journalist, humanitarian, and activist Shaun King is amongst the most compelling voices in today's Black Lives Matter movement: a humane and passionate advocate for justice, families, and victims of brutality and discrimination.
Recorded on September 25, 2019
