What Does it Mean to Be American? A Conversation on Citizenship

It often feels like we live in the most divided of moments in America, both politically and socially.

But do we?

What is citizenship? Is it merely a legal status, or something more? What can we learn from past eras of division in both Indiana’s and America’s history about what it means to be an American? Does our less-than-inclusive track record of citizenship and civic participation negate American founding ideals equality, the rule of law, and human dignity? How has new communicative technology, including social media, changed the way we think about being a citizen of America?

Join us for a panel discussion on the nature of American citizenship with Congressman Lee Hamilton, former Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court Randy Shepard, Dr. Una Osili of IUPUI’s Lilly School of Philanthropy, and Charles Hyde, President and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site—moderated by writer and former civil servant Alexandra Hudson.

At this event, you’ll hear from a diverse selection of Hoosier statesmen and women in dialogue together to discuss these and other important questions.

The moderated conversation will occur from 6:00-7:00 pm, followed by 30 minutes of questions from the audience.

AFF-Indianapolis is sponsoring a reception following the discussion in the City Gallery of the Harrison Center, featuring the art and rare books from the exhibit “The Beauty of Front Porch Citizenry.” Read more about the exhibit here.

We hope to see you there for this important and dynamic discussion!