Justice for All: Seeing Our Humanity

August 03, 2026 by National Trust for Historic Preservation

A group of descendents sitting at a table with a sign indicating grants as a topic. African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Co-Director Tiffany Tolbert is in the front of the frame.

photo by: Larisa Epatko

A group of descendants speak with African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Co-Director Tiffany Tolbert about grants and stewardship during the Seeing Our Humanity event at Oatlands.

On July 25, Oatlands, a National Trust Historic Site, hosted Seeing Our Humanity, the signature event of National Trust for Historic Preservation's America 250: Justice for All series.

Justice for All is a descendant-centered program at Woodlawn, Belle Grove Plantation, Oatlands, and Montpelier— four National Trust Historic Sites in Virginia. This program marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence looks to reflect the central promise, that “all people are created equal.”

For Seeing Our Humanity Academy Award-nominated actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou joined Brent Leggs in his first public speaking engagement as president and CEO of the National Trust for a keynote discussion.

The event brought together descendants, scholars, musicians, preservationists, and community members for a day of reflection, dialogue, and connection.

The program also included a performance by Washington Revels' ensemble Jubilee Voices.

Thank you to everyone who attended and brought their energy and engagement to the gathering.

A row of individuals standing and facing the camera. This group was the keynote speakers for an event at Oatlands that brought descendants together in conversation with each other and the public.

photo by: Larisa Epatko

L-R: Omar Eaton-Martinez, senior vice president of historic sites at the National Trust; Max Plank, program and marketing director at the Djimon Hounsou Foundation; Addie Richburg, president of the National Alliance of Faith and Justice; actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou; and Brent Leggs, president and CEO of the National Trust at Oatlands.

Join us in Washington, DC and online, September 22-24, 2026. Registration is open.

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