Monticello historians, descendants of its enslaved community and recipients of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal for in Citizen Leadership reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality inspired by Jefferson’s words.
A century before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Alabama, Sarah Mayrant Fossett successfully integrated the Cincinnati streetcar system.
Congressman John Lewis discusses equality and how the words of the Declaration of Independence resonate still today.
Monticello historian John Ragosta discusses the complexities of "all men are created equal."
Peggy Preacely, descendant of the Fossett and Hemings families, discusses her great-uncle, William Monroe Trotter, and how he inspired her to activism in the Civil Rights Movement.
Monticello guide Laura-Michal Balderson discusses a delegation of Native Americans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on a diplomatic mission.
Virginia Craft Rose, descendant of the Fossett and Hemings families, discusses her memories and the inspiration of her uncle, William Monroe Trotter.
Monticello’s Brandon Dillard discusses the Lewis and Clark Expedition and highlights the strength and resilience of Native American peoples and cultures who survived the tumult of Westward Expansion.
Calvin Jefferson, descendant of the Granger and Hemings families, discusses privilege.
In this recorded livestream, Monticello's Brandon Dillard explores early U.S. policies towards American Indians with Professor David Wilkins. (45 min)
Monticello's former Director of African American History Niya Bates discusses the descendants of Monticello's enslaved community and their struggle over generations to make real the promises of the Declaration of Independence. (22 minutes)
Senator James Webb discusses fairness in American systems.