Voices of the South: A Conversation with Imani Perry, Clint Smith, and Jesmyn Ward

Moderated by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

March 15, 2024

Dive into the rich tapestry of Southern identity and values in this coversation with Imani Perry, Clint Smith, Jesmyn Ward and Eddie S. Glaude Jr at the 2024 New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University. Explore the power of storytelling, the impact of violence, and the quest for self-definition and political relevance in shaping the South. Discover the importance of recognizing the South's diverse history and complex identity, and the necessity of portraying the multiplicity of black life in media. Learn about the enduring fight for social justice and innovative strategies to empower youth through education and art. Join us for a deep exploration of the South’s past and future.

Breaking the Story: Investigative Journalism and the Courage to Dig Deep

Ronan Farrow, Wesley Lowery and Moderated by Bethany McLean

March 16, 2024

Engage in a compelling discussion on the critical role of journalism in upholding American values and protecting our democracy. Our speakers tackle the challenges of maintaining objectivity, the significance of in-depth reporting, and the necessity of empathy in investigative journalism. Delve into the delicate balance between free speech and social safety, and explore the potential impact of censorship. Understand the vital need to communicate the value of journalism to the public and discover new pathways for aspiring young journalists to pursue their passion. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that underscores the power and importance of the press.

Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine with General David H. Petraeus, Moderated by Mitch Landrieu

March 15, 2024

Experience an enlightening discussion in the Values in America Speaker Series featuring General David H. Petraeus and Mitch Landrieu at the 2024 New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University. Explore the significance of free speech and the responsible criticism of leaders as a critical element of democracy. Delve into the challenges of achieving lasting peace and the importance of deterrence in international relations. Learn about the evolution of warfare, the shift to unmanned systems and AI, and the importance of strategic leadership in conflict management. Understand the necessity of recognizing military sacrifices and addressing the root causes of insurgency for a just and enduring peace.

Imani Perry and Natasha Trethewey

Moderated by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

March 10, 2023

Imani Perry and Natasha Trethewey, in conversation with moderator Eddie S. Glaude Jr, grapple with what it means to be a Southern writer at the Values in America Speaker Series panel at the 2023 New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University. How is the specter of Southern history mobilized in one’s aesthetic? How does one begin to render the beauty of life that is not reducible to that history, but emerges from this soil, this place, this ground with its distinct sound, timbre and rhythm? And, what does a Black Southern writer offer in this moment?

The American Spirit: Invention, Ingenuity and Social Movements that Shape America

Moderated by David Rubenstein

March 11, 2022

David Rubenstein, Jon Meacham, Walter Isaacson, and John Barry discuss The American Spirit: Invention, Ingenuity and Social Movements that Shape America. This event was the Tulane-Aspen Values in America Speaker Series event at the 2022 New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University on March 11th, 2022. For more information about additional sessions at the festival, visit bookfest.tulane.edu.

Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State

Moderated by Walter Isaacson

Feb. 12, 2019

The event featured former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, and was moderated by Tulane professor of history, Walter Isaacson. They discussed nationalism, populism, and Albright’s new book, Fascism: A Warning.

Pulitzer Prize winner and historian Annette Gordon-Reed

Moderated by Walter Isaacson

Oct. 30, 2018

The second series event featured Pulitzer Prize winner and historian Annette Gordon-Reed. She and Walter Isaacson discussed how we judge Thomas Jefferson, and other important historical figures, in light of today’s values.

Presidential historian Jon Meacham

Moderated by Walter Isaacson

May 2, 2018

The event, “When America’s Values are Tested: Lessons from Jefferson, Lincoln and other great leaders in the Age of Trump,” featured presidential historian Jon Meacham, and was moderated by Tulane professor of history, Walter Isaacson. Meacham drew on his great biographies and answered a variety of questions from the audience to create an in-depth discussion about the inner strength of America.