In today’s highly-charged political atmosphere, many Americans are searching for a common ground where they can meet as a first step to hearing, appreciating and understanding values in America. Tulane/Aspen Institute Values in America Speaker Series will feature a variety of speakers who give voice to the nuanced and stimulating topic of values in America.
The Founding Document: Historical Perspectives on Modern Constitutional Challenges
Explore the lasting impact of the American Revolution and its relevance today in this captivating discussion with Heather Cox Richardson, Jeffrey Rose and Ken Burns at the 2024 New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University. Discover the profound debate on universal rights, the intricate relationships between race, class, and power, and the complex legacy of the Founding Fathers. Learn about the adaptability of the Constitution, the pursuit of happiness, and the dynamics of self-determination. The conversation also tackles current threats to democracy, highlighting the 2024 election and international influences. Dive deep into the past to understand the present and shape a better future for democracy.
Additional 2024 Speakers
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.
Previous Speakers
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.
