EWH Tea Talks Series

Ben Butler, a Union general, had just arrived as commander of Ft. Monroe in Virginia in 1861 when three Black men asked him for sanctuary. Should he honor the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and return the men to their “owner”? This is the central question of Richard Strand’s “Ben Butler,” a surprisingly witty, as well as serious, play that will be read by local actors Wednesday, Jan 16, 7:30 pm, at Players’ Ring, 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth. Butler’s decision,…

Free and open to the public This dialogue will explore the history of law and punishment in New Hampshire, disproportionate incarceration rates of racial and ethnic minorities, and the social impact of mass incarceration. Presenters will examine the consequences of incarceration on communities of color, intensifying surveillance and criminalization of poor and Black communities, and what a shift from punitive to restorative justice within our criminal system could look like. Presenters: Devon Chaffee, Bill Celester, Carlos Camacho, Dan Feltes (TBC)…

Free and open to the public In a compelling speech about race in America, Mitch Landrieu said, “There is a difference between remembrance of history and reverence of it.” Through discussing physical and artistic sites of memory, this panel will explore how widely accepted narratives of our collective past shape and inform our collective present social identity. Presenters: David Watters, Eric Aldrich, Joel Christian Gill Moderator: Graziella Parati More Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks info

Despite improvements in education, social mobility and many other critical arenas, large racial and ethnic disparities still exist in the U.S. Years of intentional government policies that removed lands and resources from Native Americans and restricted access for African Americans have created a significant wealth divide in the country that continues to create inequities faced today. This panel will explore how policies and environmental issues disenfranchised the very groups they should equalize. More Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks info

Black women have been leaders in this country for centuries as abolitionists, voting rights advocates, college founders, civil rights defenders, labor leaders, entrepreneurs and more. Often, their work to overcome race and gender stereotypes have been seen as unusual or magical serving to minimize their labor and talent. Through shared stories and an exploration of the feminist movement, this panel will focus on some of New Hampshire’s most successful Black women and their journey to the powerful position they hold…

The relationship between religion and race in American is complex. 20th century scholars ranked world religions on an evolutionary scale. Not surprisingly, many of the religions deemed “primitive” were also those practiced by indigenous, non-White populations. This evolutionary ranking plays a vital role in the construction, deconstruction, and transgression of racial identities and religious boundaries in the country today. This panel of theologians will explore the relationship between church, race, and state and the role the church could play in…

SHADOWS FALL NORTH explores how a state with the motto "Live Free or Die" and a celebrated history of abolitionism confronts and understands its participation in slavery, segregation, and neglect. Airs February, 21st at 8:00 pm on NH Public Television. READ MORE about Shadows Fall North

From the rash of 911 calls targeting people of color to a racist jingle that turned a Christmas tune into a KKK theme song, there is no shortage of examples of how implicit bias impacts how we see the world and resulting actions that have lasting impacts. Join us for an experiential talk to explore the role of implicit bias in our lives. Our behavior is influenced by unconscious assumptions, beliefs and attitudes we have about others based on their…

Presenters: Shay Stewart-Bouley & Debby Irving How can we speak openly and honestly in cross-racial conversations? What would such a conversation even sound like? Join Shay Stewart-Bouley (Black Girl in Maine) and author Debby Irving as they talk about racism’s impact on their lives and how conversation has been instrumental in their own understanding of 21st century racial dynamics. Shay and Debby will explore the common fears and pitfalls of cross-racial conversation that keep people isolated in their own racial…

Presenters: Wildolfo Arvelo, Judy Dow & Brenda Lett Moderator: Cait Vaughan Can you really improve race relations in a country that is so divided? Through dialogue and story sharing this panel will present three innovative ways to build bridges. We will hear from one organization that is working to strengthen the cultural knowledge and identity of New England Native American youth and families; discover new state initiatives for economic growth through diversity and inclusion; and begin the dialogue around reparation…