2020 National Humanities Conference and AHF Each November, the Federation of State Humanities Councils and National Humanities Alliance hosts the National Humanities Conference. Dr. Martha Bouyer Dr. Joe Aistrup Traditionally an in-person gathering of representatives of colleges, universities, state councils and other community and cultural organizations, it is an annual opportunity to explore approaches to deepening the public’s engagement with the humanities. During this year’s event, taking place virtually, Alabama Humanities Foundation will be well represented. To kick things off, Programs Coordinator Jerald Crook will host a November 6 Zoom-based conversation, “Millennials in the Humanities,” inviting professionals in the 24 – 38 age group to reflect on why they are involved in the humanities, strengths and skills they bring to the field and aspirations for their futures in the work. Humanities administrators of all ages are encouraged to attend and consider challenges associated with engaging millennials as both supporters and employees. Joining Crook as a co-host will be Maiben Beard of the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities at Auburn University. On November 10, Director of Programs Melanie Bouyer will participate in “Activating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts.” Panelists, who identify as people of color or indigenous, will discuss why they choose to go to work for
their employer, why they stay, and how they might be included or excluded in ensuring equitable and inclusionary programming and Melanie Bouyer Jerald Crook grantmaking practices, as well as opportunities and challenges in their work environments. Attendees will then engage with one another to formulate strategies for activating diversity, equity and inclusion beyond the conference at humanities organizations nationwide. Rounding things out on November 12, Board Treasurer Dr. Joseph Aistrup and Alabama Humanities Fellow Dr. Martha Bouyer will contribute to two conference sessions. Aistrup, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, will join other deans and a humanities council staff member in discussion of mutual benefits to working together to promote public humanities in their wider communities. And to strengthen another conference offering, Bouyer, founder and project director of “Stony the Road We Trod…” teacher professional development exploring Alabama’s Civil Rights Movement legacy, will participate with NEH staff members in a grant-writing workshop to educate and encourage potential applicants for NEH funding. Proud to be well represented during conference activities, all AHF board and staff anticipate another useful occasion for engagement with colleagues and newcomers alike during the national conference. n
Mosaic | Fall 2020 | alabamahumanities.org
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