Monday, October 6, 2025

Youth, Vision, and the Democratic Imagination

The role of imagining what the future of democracy can be has always been critical to inspiring and holding accountable the integrity of civic life. Generations of young people have powered movements for change — from the civil rights era to today’s cultural activism. Much of that vision has emerged through artistic expression — poetry, music, dance, and visual art — opening pathways to imagine a more just world. This panel explores how young creators and thinkers use art to advance their ideas, hopes, and strategies for transformation.

speakers

Lee Gelernt

Yara Shahidi

John Legend

Dr. Salamishah Tillet

Awardees

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Moderators

Summer Durant

Awards

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Images from this panel

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Lee Gelernt

Lawyer, American Civil Liberties Union

Yara Shahidi

Actress and Producer

John Legend

Artist and Activist

Dr. Salamishah Tillet

Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist; Co-Founder, A Long Walk Home

Moderator

Summer Durant

Poet and Performing Artist; JD Candidate, Howard University School of Law

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