John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
In a recent event at Memorial Auditorium, Annette Gordon-Reed, an author, lawyer, and historian, emphasized the importance of confronting historical truths to build a better future. Speaking to students, she highlighted that understanding both strengths and weaknesses is crucial for progress. “We can’t be of real service to the hopes we have for places – and people, ourselves included – without a clear-eyed assessment of their (and our) strengths and weaknesses,” she stated.
Gordon-Reed's book "On Juneteenth" intertwines American history with personal stories to explore the significance of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. The book was part of this year's Three Books program selection for the winter COLLEGE course Citizenship in the 21st Century. Provost Jenny Martinez noted that Gordon-Reed’s narrative provides an opportunity to discuss citizenship and community values.
The event included a discussion moderated by Anne Twitty from the School of Humanities and Sciences, followed by a student Q&A session. Gordon-Reed recounted how Union troops enforced freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865—an event now celebrated as Juneteenth.
During her talk, Gordon-Reed reflected on her family's history during segregation and post-World War II optimism. She also discussed how laws alone cannot change societal attitudes: “The law might say that I could go into a school or into a store, but it could not be sure that I would be welcome when I came into these places.”
In response to questions about the role of law in society, she remarked that laws are aspirational tools for change. “Being able to use law to affect change is something that my students very, very much believe in,” she said.
Gordon-Reed also addressed issues like censorship during the Q&A session. She urged those opposed to censorship to stand against it and encouraged students to leverage their education for societal benefit. “You have a responsibility to take what you learn here...to make sure that society remains open,” she concluded.
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