Uncertain Times, Courageous Conversations: What Have We Wrought?

On April 19, 1775, as our predecessors in Lexington confronted the risks and uncertainties of a war of independence and the great challenges of inventing a new democratic form of governance, Captain John Parker of the Lexington militia, is said to have offered “Let it begin here.” The uncertainties and challenges of our day are different but no less fraught or important. Questions about saving, restoring, renewing, or reinventing democracy are all about us. With a nod to history and to the need to shape our own, let it begin here. Announcing “Uncertain Times – Courageous Conversations.” We’ll come together at the Lexington Depot from 7:00 to 8:30 PM to learn, examine, imagine, and plan together. We will explore the underpinnings of our democracy – how we engage with one another, how we learn about the challenges and opportunities in the public square, how we come together to make decisions, and how we navigate our differences. We’ll look to our historical roots, name what’s working and what’s not, and identify what’s next. After an initial framing of the topic by a guest with expertise in the area under consideration, those in attendance will be invited to comment, question, and contribute to a moderated discussion. The dates and titles for this first season are: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 What Have We Wrought? What do the election results tell us about the state of our democracy and what challenges lie ahead? Tuesday, March 23, 2027 If We Don’t Tackle Electoral Reform – Who runs? Who wins? How are we to be informed and engaged voters? Tuesday, June 15, 2027 United We Stand, Divided We Are. Beacon Leadership Collaborative and the Lexington History Museums have joined forces to sponsor these conversations which are offered in collaboration with Lexington Lyceum, Lexington Observer, Lexington Times, LexMedia, CAAL. Jay Kaufman, former State Representative and the Collaborative’s founder, will serve as host and moderator. The forums will be livestreamed, and LexMedia will record the forums for later broadcast. Free and open to the public - no registration is required!