CrossTalk DC: DCPS Student Inspiration Exhibition and Dialogue

In collaboration with the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Anacostia Community Museum, DCPS Office of Family and Public Engagement invited students, parents, staff and community to a facilitated discussion on Thursday evening exploring, “What does it mean to be the other?”

DCPS student photography and selected passages from the play District Merchants served as a kickstarter for lively discussion and conversation at the picturesque Anacostia Community Museum. District Merchants by Aaron Posner, an adaptation of Merchants of Venice, set in post-Civil War DC juxtaposes the experience of two DC merchants: a newly emancipated black man and an immigrant Jew. The play explores themes regarding gender, race, religion, and power.

In her final event serving as Chief, Family and Public Engagement, Ms. Josephine Bias Robinson, kicked things off with opening remarks. Ms. Robinson welcomed 4 students from local Wilson High School, School Without Walls, and Ballou High School to the front of the room. Each student talked about their photo and what inspired them to take these inspirational shots. 

Ms. Shanita Burney, Deputy Chief, Family and Public Engagement went on to lead the facilitated discussion and interactive activities with the crowd surrounding culture, race and identity. Participants worked in groups and talked about reflections on excerpts from the play as well as reactions to the students’ photography.

CrossTalk is a community engagement initiative that connects members of the public, encouraging them to think about race and religion thoughtfully and deeply through the lens of literature and history. To learn more about the CrossTalk DC initiative, click here.