The Dynamic Past: How Science Helps Give Voice to Silenced Stories

Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 3:00-3:45pm ET

Synopsis

Modern scholars recognize that the past is not static, and that advancing historical knowledge is a process of searching out the marginalized, forgotten and unknown. This process provides opportunities for contemporary scholars to give voice and agency to people and communities whose stories have long been ignored or deliberately silenced. This session will highlight Black scientists, historians, community representatives, and others. It will explore how tools of science, including new technologies, techniques and collaborations in genetics, linguistics, archaeology, and archival research, have supported the reclamation and revitalization of culture, heritage, and identity – including dimensions of faith and spirituality – for communities of African descent. The session will conclude with reflections and dialogue with attendees about the role of community engagement, including planning, assessment of risks and potential rewards, and the need for equitable and just decision-making around the impact of scientific research.

Speakers

Rob O’Malley, AAAS DoSER – Organizer and Moderator

Whitney Battle-Baptiste, University of Massachusetts Amherst – Speaker

Joycelyn Davis, Africatown-C.H.E.S.S. – Speaker

Jada Benn Torres, Vanderbilt University – Speaker

Robert Turner, Historic Vernon AME Church – Respondent