In 2019, Nikole Hannah-Jones, a New York Times (NYT) journalist/historian, proposed a Special Section to the Sunday New York Times celebrating the 400-year-old arrival (1619) of the first Africans on these shores who would become – and whose progeny would become – enslaved workers for the next 240 years. Her proposal was accepted by the Editors. When the Special Section was presented to the public several months later, that Sunday NYT sold out in a day! Apparently, citizens all over this country were starving for this information. Hannah-Jones won the Pulitzer Prize for this work and was asked to expand it into a book, which came out in 2021.

The 1619 Project HULU Series came out in 2023 and our JEDI Team (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) presented it at our Center that Spring. It was well-received and the content was discussion-rich and thought-provoking.

This Fall, JEDI is again offering this six-part docuseries in conjunction with Wellshire Presbyterian Church’s Diversity Task Force. All six episodes will be shown at Wellshire in room 208: 2999 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver CO 80222.

Our Center members, friends and guests are invited to gather, watch and discuss the videos in a safe and warm setting.

As Hannah-Jones says, the information is stunningly new for most of us and yet not meant to be comforting. Nevertheless, those who have watched the series state that it has changed their lives and helped them to understand some of our country’s most difficult issues today. Come be warriors with us.

I see my work as forcing us to confront our hypocrisy, forcing us to confront the truth that we would rather ignore.
-Nikole Hannah-Jones

Each episode will last approximately 55 minutes to be followed by a short contemplation time and a longer discussion in a safe, warm environment.

Light snacks will be provided. Each showing can be seen separately although seeing all of them will be most encouraged.

Registration is not required, and donations are appreciated. For donation payment options, please contact our Director of Finance, Carolyn Pickton at [email protected]