Seeing Our Humanity: A Signature Event of "Justice for All"

June 25, 2026 by National Trust for Historic Preservation

Join us for Seeing Our Humanity, a free public gathering at Oatlands in Leesburg, Virginia on July 25, 2026 from 1-4:30 pm. This event brings together descendants, scholars, musicians, preservationists, and community members for an afternoon of reflection and connection.

The program features Academy Award-nominated actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou and Brent Leggs, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, alongside musical performances by Washington Revels' ensemble Jubilee Voices and thought-provoking discussions on memory, memorialization, reconciliation, and our shared future.

During a gathering a woman sitting and smiling as she listens to a speaker. In the background are other individuals sitting at round tables with blue or white tablecloths.
Oatlands

Reserve your spot today!

Admission is free, but registration is required and seating is limited.

This program is a part of “Justice for All” programming presented by four National Trust Historic Sites in Virginia as part of the commemoration of America’s 250th.

Partner

Djimon Hounsou Foundation Logo

Tentative Agenda

July 25, 2026
1:00 pm–4:30 pm

12:45 pm – 1:00 pm

Welcome: Washington Revels' ensemble Jubilee Voices

Including a performance by the Washington Revels, a cultural institution in the greater Washington area for over 40 years. Washington Revels is dedicated to reviving, sustaining, expanding, and celebrating cultural traditions—in music, dance, storytelling, and drama—that bind people together in spirit and joy.

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Welcome Remarks

1:15 pm – 2:00 pm

Keynote: A Conversation with Brent Leggs and Djimon Hounsou

Speakers: Brent Leggs, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Djimon Hounsou, Academy Award-nominated actor and humanitarian

2:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Break

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

How We Remember: Memorials and the Stories We Tell

Speakers: Moderator: Nakita Reed, Senior Director for Preservation Operations, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm

Break

3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

From Reckoning to Repair: Paths Toward Justice and Belonging

Speakers: Moderator: Tiffany Tolbert, Co-Director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

4:15 pm – 4:30 pm

Closing Session

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Farewell and Mansion Walkthroughs

Mansion walkthroughs end by 5:30 pm. Site closes at 6:00 pm.

Travel with us on an epic trip along Historic Route 66, and help preserve an iconic piece of Americana.

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