Fall 2025 Highlights

On November 14th and 15th, the Allbritton Center for Study of Public Life co-sponsored the Shasha Seminar for Human Concerns, Dialogue for Change: From Conflict to Action. The seminar brought together a wide range of diverse voices from around the country to explore how civil dialogue can strengthen democratic engagement in today’s polarized climate. 

The seminar featured powerful keynotes — including performances and conversation with writer and actor Anna Deavere Smith Hon. ’97, and insights from civic leader Eboo Patel — alongside interactive workshops and panel discussions focused on listening across differences, constructive conversation skills, and community building. Sessions addressed tough topics like communicating across differences and strategies for fostering inclusion, while also emphasizing the value of historical insight, empathy, and curiosity in democratic dialogue.

The event also served as the formal launch of Wesleyan’s three-year initiative “Renewing Democracy’s Promise,” aimed at nurturing democratic culture through community engagement and cross-sector collaboration. 

Read more about the seminar in this Connect article and stay engaged for more news in the series!