Project: Reparations

Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer Maisha T. Winn, left, chancellor’s leadership professor and co-director of the Transformative Justice in Education Center, and OBSERVER Publisher Larry Lee in conversation with journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones as she discusses her book “The 1619 Project” for the Oak Park Speaker Series at the Guild Theater. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones brought wit, insight, and humor to the Oak Park Speaker Series. The June 13 event at the Guild Theater was moderated by OBSERVER Publisher Larry Lee and Maisha T. Winn, chancellor’s leadership professor and co-director of Transformative Justice in Education Center, and focused on Hannah-Jones’ groundbreaking book, “The 1619 Project.” First published as a special edition of the New York Times Magazine in August 2019, “The 1619 Project” sets out to reframe American history by placing slavery and its lasting impact at the forefront. It starts by centering those believed to be the first enslaved Africans who landed in the United States in 1619 and how their arrival led to chattel slavery and America’s origin. Anticipation and excitement were palpable as fans, educators, historians, and attendees of all ages packed the sold-out venue, eager to hear from a voice that has sparked national conversation....