Ideas This Week
Ideas This Week is your hub for updates on all things Facing History—from announcements and featured press to expert interviews, impact stories, and essays on the ideas driving our work.
Revisiting “The Hill We Climb”
Amanda Gorman's poem speaks to a shared American experience that resonates with youth and inspires hope.
![National youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman recites her inaugural poem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-05/AP_21020703530611_fullres.jpg?h=68813a66&itok=-3PF1h0C)
A Teacher and His Former Student Reflect on Choosing to Participate
Gene Woods taught Chevon Williams in a Facing History classroom—he helped inspire her to be an upstander, just as a teacher years before had done for him.
![Chevon Williams and Gene Woods at the 2023 New York Benefit Dinner](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-05/2117-FHO-041923Hechler_0.jpg?h=02e94fe7&itok=9U6wfQpE)
EdFix Interview: Teaching Difficult History in Turbulent Times
Abby Weiss and Dimitry Anselme talk with Michael Feuer, Dean of GW's Graduate School of Education about helping educators navigate current events in the classroom.
![Facing History & Ourselves Students answering a gallery walk question](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-05/Facing-History_SJLA_209.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=P3RHG6Hy)
Honoring Harry Belafonte by Teaching Civil Rights
Build on Harry Belafonte's work toward realizing the full promise of our democracy with these civil rights resources.
![Marchers with signs at the March on Washington, 1963](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Resistance_1963_MarchOnWashington_%20FH21262.jpg?h=9c99f020&itok=1rJhfCQU)
I was born to be a teacher.
Claudia Bautista is a passionate educator who has witnessed the power of Facing History to nurture conversation and inspire action.
![Headshot of Claudia Bautista](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-04/Claudia_Bautista_headshot_FH2190033.jpg?h=0347b892&itok=kQYmNQHx)
Poetry and Identity
Bringing poetry into the classroom introduces a model for creative expression and self-reflection that can help students find their voice.
![Poetry Graffiti](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/Poetry_Graffiti_StockPhoto_FH2190020.jpg?h=1021c639&itok=68mmYNfa)
Desmond K. Blackburn, PhD Joins Facing History & Ourselves as New President and CEO
Veteran educator Desmond K. Blackburn, PhD brings expertise and commitment to supporting teachers and empowering young people.
![President and CEO of Facing History & Ourselves](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-04/Desmond%20Blackburn0734%20-%20Ready-WEB.jpg?h=a1e1a043&itok=hyWQudeX)
Hearty Congratulations and Thank You to Departing CEO, Roger Brooks
After a successful tenure Roger Brooks retires from Facing History & Ourselves on April 9, 2023. We celebrate all he has accomplished with gratitude.
![Roger Brooks at San Francisco Benefit Dinner](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-04/Roger_Brooks_San_Francisco_Benefit_Dinner_2018_FH270313.jpg?h=4997dc06&itok=qH25viDl)
In Memoriam: Margot Stern Strom’s Lasting Legacy
On March 28, 2023, Facing History’s founder passed away at the age of 81. Her vision and work continues to impact students and teachers around the world.
![Margot Stern Strom, Facing History's Founder, sits with one hand on her face looking away from the camera.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/MargotSternStrom_FH110347.jpg?h=416b1678&itok=eCko_Shx)
What Does a Current Event Lesson Look Like?
Three Facing History educators discuss how breaking news and world events are integrated into their classroom routine.
![Educators Banjineh “Op” Browne, Jennifer Staysniak, And Bridget Riley.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/Educators_Banjineh_%E2%80%9COp%E2%80%9D_Browne%2C_Jenny_Staysniak%2C_and_Bridget_Riley_for_Current_Events.jpg?h=d0c7edc2&itok=lWOGfZc_)
Standing up for Disability Rights: A Day of Reflection & Action
In honor of disability awareness & disability rights activist Judy Heumann, Facing History is hosting a day of reflection & action on March 30, 2023.
![Graphic of US Flag and Multi-Colored Figures Including the Disability Access Symbol](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/US_Flag_And_Multi_Colored_Figures_Including_The_Disability_Access_Symbol_Graphic_FH2189035.png?h=e9403ca4&itok=gBPt-Bez)