Controversy/History, a free community conversations series that debuted at the Valentines last year, returns on November 6. The series will be co-hosted by Valentine Director Bill Martin and Coffee with Strangers host Kelli Lemon.
Controversy/History explores present-day issues facing the Richmond community by pairing historic debates with modern data, encouraging important discussions that inspire action and promote progress.
“We’re excited to bring this conversation series back for a second year,” Martin said. “Last year, we were overwhelmed by the community’s interest in these discussions, and we’re excited to offer the Richmond Region the opportunity to engage in further conversations on relevant topics.”
At each of these events, Martin and Lemon will present a back-and-forth focused on an historical debate from Richmond’s past. Expert speakers will then present data and analysis about what that same debate looks like today.
“After taking part in this series last year, I saw just how important it is to engage in honest conversations about our past as a way to move our region forward,” said Lemon. “I’m looking forward to being a part of Controversy/History again and continue encouraging the community to use the debates of the past to inform the conversations we have today.”
The Valentine has partnered with the Capital Region Collaborative to align discussion topics with their regional priorities and Dialectix Founder Matthew Freeman will facilitate group discussion.
Here is a complete list of dates and topics:
November 6, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
Education: Segregation Then & Now
December 4, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
James River: Commerce or Recreation?
January 8, 2019, 6-8 p.m.
Workforce Preparation: Race & Labor
February 5, 2019, 6-8 p.m.
Healthy Community: Disease & Disparity
April 2, 2019, 6-8 p.m.
A Tale of Two Cities: Richmond or RVA?
