Nerdy Thursdays | Promise of Liberty

Join Black Gotham Experience and our friends at the Seaport Museum for a special evening at NERDY THURSDAYS—BGX’s contemporary take on the Harlem Renaissance salon—blends themes from the Museum’s landmark exhibition The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation alongside Battle in the Margins.

This thought-provoking moderated conversation brings together guest experts to examine Black History in connection to the nation’s founding ideals and the evolution of Liberty in the country, asking a powerful question: “Who” is really being promised liberty? Drawing on stories from the Revolutionary War and remarkable documents featured in The Promise of Liberty—including a first edition of Frederick Douglass’s 1855 autobiography My Bondage and My Freedom, featuring his seminal speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, and an advance copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic March on Washington speech—the discussion will explore the ongoing struggle to expand the promise of liberty.

After the conversation, stay to enjoy complimentary drinks, a themed soundtrack by the featured DJ, and connect with others in a welcoming space for conversation, reflection, and new ideas.

Before the program, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, attendees are invited to explore The Promise of Liberty and view these extraordinary documents alongside other foundational treasures that shaped the nation. Exhibition admission is included with your free event ticket.