About 50 students, staff and faculty came together for “History on Fire – A Discussion on Democracy” to discuss two questions: How can history help us understand 2025? And how can history help us act in 2025? Prof. Stephen Duncan reviewed the key principles of the U.S. Constitution of consent of the governed and due process. Prof. Jordi Getman-Eraso outlined the strategies of fascist leaders in their ascent to power. Prof. Raquel Otheguy explained how the US role of intervention in El Salvador informs current politics of deportation. Prof. Prithi Kanakamedala reflected on the powerful history of activism of the collective, including here at BCC and CUNY. 

In the discussion, participants talked about different ways of organizing and the significance of solidarity across diverse constituencies. The panelists and audience members spoke about how history shows the power street protests can have. Professor Gloria Rodriguez shared her experience as a member of the Young Lords Party in the 1960s, emphasizing that they saw their cause as united with other global movements.

As the event concluded, one student stood up to share a quote from James Baldwin that he thought resonated most: “Not everything that is faced is changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”, he said to heavy applause.  

The History Department has organized and planned many community conversations throughout this academic year. Conversations are informative and open to All.