INFORMATION FOR
As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, William Paterson University's 15th Annual Contexts Multidisciplinary Conference – organized and hosted by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences – will bring together scholars, artists, and media professionals to explore the nation's history, evolving identity, and future.
Titled "Voices for the Next 250: Designing a More Perfect Union," the conference will take place on Thursday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in University Commons Ballrooms B and C. The event will feature presentations examining American history and civic responsibility, the influence of media and the arts, and the role individuals and communities can play in shaping the nation's future.
Jamal Simmons, CNN political commentator, strategist, writer, and former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, will deliver the keynote address, "Time for a New Patriotic Covenant," at 11 a.m. Simmons brings extensive experience in political communications and public affairs to a discussion centered on the nation's future.
The morning session, "From Memory to Momentum," will feature Natalie Muñoz, assistant professor of social work at Rutgers University–Newark, and Ben Railton, professor of English and American studies at Fitchburg State University. Their presentations will explore the relationship between historical memory, America's diverse foundations, and contemporary social movements.
The afternoon session, "Viral to Verified," will examine the intersection of media, art, and public discourse. Presenters include William Paterson professor of music and jazz program coordinator Mitch Butler, who will discuss social media's role in building careers in music and the arts; William Paterson communication professor Nick Hirshon, who will explore how student journalists verify information before publication; and artist Robin Holder, whose exhibition Reckonings is on view at the University's Galleries.
The conference offers the campus community an opportunity to engage with perspectives from multiple disciplines and consider how the lessons of the past and challenges of the present can inform the nation's next chapter.
