On June 4, 2023 Facing History & Ourselves hosted a special event We Are Facing History: Democracy – Past, Present & Future, in San Mateo, California. We were incredibly excited and grateful to welcome best-selling author and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams to deliver the keynote address.
Ms. Abrams shared the inspiring story of how she became involved in activism. She also took questions from Facing History Student Leadership Group members, who provided thoughtful questions and insight on young people’s perspectives on voting rights and democracy.
![Stacey Abrams speaking at a Facing History & Ourselves event](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-07/DSC_1374.jpg?itok=Gcglsvg1)
We also heard from local Facing History educator and alumna Hannah Nguyen, who shared the story of how Facing History changed the trajectory of her life and career.
![Hannah Nguyen speaking at Facing History & Ourselves event](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-07/DSC_1534.jpg?itok=OODKKnBK)
Facing History alum and educator Hannah Nguyen delivers an impassioned speech about the impact of Facing History.
We also invited questions from students who demonstrated how young people today are invested in their role in our democracy, and curious about how they can choose to participate in an increasingly divided country.
![Stacey Abrams and Facing History & Ourselves Students](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-07/DSC_1244.jpg?itok=zF2Hnw8Y)
Stacey Abrams and members of the Facing History Student Leadership Group.
The insights and reflections each speaker shared about democracy underscored the importance of our work. We are so grateful to all who joined us and made this event possible.