Curating the African American Experience: A Discussion with Mary Elliott

Join Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., Diversity and Inclusion Committee for a discussion with Mary Elliott, the curator of American Slavery and Freedom at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Ms. Elliott, who has had a lifelong interest in Black history and whose extensive research revealed that her family is connected to Booker T. Washington, will discuss the deep roots of African American history that the exhibit explores – the complex story of slavery and freedom, a story standing at the core of our national experience.

Ms. Elliott will share her process in curating the exhibit and walk us through some of the African American experiences during this time period. Beginning in the 15th century with the transatlantic slave trade, through the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, the exhibition uses personal stories to explore the economic and political legacies of slavery for all Americans.

Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley will moderate the discussion and facilitate questions from attendees.