On October 18th, Humanities New York hosted its fourth annual “History and the American Imagination” event with poet and prison reform advocate Reginald Dwayne Betts and Nicole R. Fleetwood, Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University. 

Inspiration for this year’s conversation came from HNY’s Post-Incarceration Humanities Partnership (PIHP), which supports organizations in New York State that serve individuals who have previously been incarcerated and their families.

Betts and Fleetwood discussed the history of incarceration and state violence in the United States and how that history is remembered and represented in American life today, reflecting on the impact of incarceration within their own lives. Following an hour-long conversation, Betts and Fleetwood participated in a thought-provoking audience Q&A and book signing. HNY’s Director of Grant-Making, Joe Murphy, remarked, “October’s event was spectacular! Dwayne and Nicole explored the relationship between arts and humanities in precisely the ways we had hoped, centering the importance of love and understanding. It was a special night, and HNY is so pleased with the outcome.” 

Thanks to all those who could attend virtually or in person! We hope you left informed and inspired. If you were unable to join us, the full-length discussion is available on our Youtube. Additionally, you can find photos below.