Descendant Communities Social Innovation Lab

1400 Constitution Avenue Northwest,Washington DC 20560

16 March, 2023

Description

The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation will convene descendants of slavery who are stakeholders of various types of culturally significant historic sites and cemeteries for 3 days of empowerment, education, and organizing. This invitation-only event will bring together the leaders of families, preservation activists, cultural heritage practitioners and artists, all of whom are descendants of slavery who are leading efforts to preserve, protect, interpret and advocate for historic sites that are important to Black communities. If you would like to pre-register for this event please do so below. The Descendant Communities Social Innovation Lab is a mostly hybrid event so there will be opportunities to attend and participate virtually in most of the sessions. **This is a closed, invitation-only event. The invitation is not transferable** What is a descendant community? A descendant community is a group of people whose enslaved ancestors were connected to a particular historic place or space like a historic site, battleground or burial ground. A descendant community includes both those who know their specific familial genealogical connection and those without definite ties to a single site, but to a surrounding region, reflecting the fact that family ties often crossed property lines and physical boundaries set to demarcate sites of enslavement. The system of enslavement and its aftermath may have obscured heritage ties or scattered or erased written records but descendants have found alternative means of assuming the responsibilities and benefits of family and restored heritage through our own institutions. Descendant community members are additionally defined as those who demonstrate they care for or are socially or emotionally connected to the ancestors they claim. What is a social innovation lab? A social innovation lab is a convening of a variety of stakeholders to address complex challenges through critical discussions, brainstorming new ideas, networking, organizing, and developing strategies to address the challenges. Check back for the convening schedule