VCU series on democracy marks America’s 250th anniversary

By Sian Wilkerson

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary this year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Virginia Commonwealth University is marking the occasion with a new series spotlighting the past, present and future of American democracy.

Launched by the College of Humanities and Sciences, the America at 250 series will explore topics ranging from the original ideals in the time of the nation’s founders to the state of democracy in modern America. The idea for the series evolved out of U.S. Democracy United/Divided, a VCU course that brings together faculty experts across disciplines for a multidimensional overview of democracy’s many layers.

“The series creates space for students to engage more critically with history – not just as something in the past, but as something that continues to shape policies, institutions and everyday life today,” said Roqia Ali, a third-year political science student who serves as a teaching assistant for the U.S. Democracy course.

Ali, an Honors College student, is also co-executive director of VCU Votes. She added that America at 250 gives students “a chance to hear from different voices and disciplines, which can help them form more well-rounded perspectives.”

“The different sides are not really talking to each other, and so we’re really hoping to open that conversation here,” said Marcus Messner, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and co-organizer of the series. “The motivation here is, I think that the United States has lots to celebrate after 250 years, but of course, we have some issues in our democracy as well.”

Messner, his fellow associate dean Amy Rector, Ph.D., and Krista Scott, Ed.D., associate vice president of strategic enrollment management special programs, worked together to develop America at 250, which will continue throughout the year. The series emphasizes Virginia’s role in the founding of the country and its continued impact on the state of democracy.

“America was made here in Virginia, and we really are focusing on this local perspective on a lot of these events and the lectures that are being given,” Rector said.

So far, America at 250 events have covered topics such as Virginia’s shifting voter demographics, voting rights and representation, the global effects of American domestic policy and social media’s impact on democracy. Another lecture featured VCU history professor and author Brooke Newman, Ph.D., who presented from her latest book, “The Crown’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery.”

On April 8, Carly Fiorina, the national honorary chair for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, will join the College of Humanities and Sciences and VCU’s Global Education Office for a discussion as part of America at 250 and the Globe Speakers Series, hosted by Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., dean of the college, and Jill Blondin, Ph.D., vice provost for global initiatives.

Moderated by Messner, the event – it begins at 5 p.m. in Room 216 of the STEM Building – will feature welcoming remarks from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., and Arturo Saavedra, Ph.D., interim executive vice president and provost, with an introduction by Robyn Diehl McDougle, Ph.D., associate dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

This event is open to the community, and registration is required.

As part of the ongoing commemoration at VCU, the College of Humanities and Sciences will offer U.S. Democracy United/Divided as an online course this summer. Also, a webinar series hosted by faculty in VCU’s Department of History will feature topics including:

• Reluctant Revolutionaries: From Loyal Subjects to Fledgling Citizens, with lecturer Sarah Meacham, Ph.D. (Monday, May 18).
• From 'Nature's God' to 'Divine Providence': Faith and the Founding of the United States, with lecturer Ryan K. Smith, Ph.D. (Monday, June 1).
• Liberty in a Land of Slavery, with Michael Dickinson, Ph.D. (Monday, June 15).
• Was the Declaration of Independence really a matter of Common Sense?, with Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D. (Monday, June 29).

Each webinar will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. and is available to the public.

In the fall, America at 250 will turn its focus to the congressional midterm elections, and organizers will continue to add programming from across more disciplines. The event schedule is available on the series webpage.