An evening with the renowned American sociologist, historian, and author James W. Loewen.
The Long Ridge School, in partnership with The Ferguson Library, Domus Kids, and Stamford Stands Against Racism, jointly hosted their 2021 Diversity Forum—Lies My Teacher Told Me and How To Avoid Them on March 11th, 2021.
This year’s event was held virtually, so all could attend from far and wide.
The Long Ridge School has a rich and longstanding tradition of celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. Long Ridge’s Diversity Forum is an essential touchstone to its commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. “This platform fosters awareness and facilitates discussion among our adult community, and Long Ridge is again proud to honor this commitment,” said Carissa Lewis, Head of School of The Long Ridge School. This year, on March 11, Long Ridge was delighted to partner with The Ferguson Library, Domus Kids, and Stamford Stands Against Racism in welcoming celebrated author, sociologist, and historian James Loewen. An engaging speaker, Mr. Loewen has authored several notable works, including The Confederate and Neo-Confederate Reader: The “Great Truth” about the “Lost Cause,” Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism, and the highly acclaimed and award-winning Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong. This year’s Diversity Forum, entitled “Lies My Teacher Told Me and How To Avoid Them,” delved into the myths and misinformation that too often pass for U.S. history. As Mr. Loewen has aptly put it, “Telling the truth about the past helps cause justice in the present. Achieving justice in the present helps us tell the truth about the past.”.
“The Ferguson Library is so pleased to be working with The Long Ridge School, Domus Kids, and Stamford Stands Against Racism to host sociologist and author Jim Loewen at the Diversity Forum. Jim Loewen is an important voice in understanding the history of this country, in particular, the way textbooks downplay the violence against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Mr. Loewen is a proponent of critical thinking, and his work is more important than ever in this era of fake news.” Alice Knapp, President – The Ferguson Library
“The Equity Institute @ Domus and Stamford Stands Against Racism are proud to join The Long Ridge School and The Ferguson Library in this endeavor. If we hope to improve our future, then the present-day search for social and racial justice requires a truthful disruption of myths and the clear-eyed acknowledgment of our national past. I know that author Jim Loewen provides both the eager and the reticent listeners the insight necessary to do just that.” Michael Hyman—Domus Kids and Stamford Stands Against Racism