Today, Oatlands—a National Trust for Historic Preservation site in Leesburg, Virginia—will host “Seeing Our Humanity” at its historic house and gardens as part of the Justice for All program. This signature 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 National Trust President and CEO Brent Leggs, alongside musical performances by Washington Revels' ensemble Jubilee Voices, and thought-provoking discussions on memory, memorialization, reconciliation, and our shared future.

“I’m excited to join Djimon Hounsou, descendants, preservation partners, and members of the public at Oatlands to highlight the important work of our descendant-centered programming and reflect on America’s complicated and resilient history as we commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Brent Leggs, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Events like Seeing Our Humanity help us tell the full American story and shape our shared future in an accessible and inclusive way."

The event programming will run from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm and will feature three speaking segments beginning with a keynote conversation between Brent Leggs and Djimon Hounsou, who between his acting and humanitarian work founded the Djimon Hounsou Foundation. Following that conversation, Nakita Reed, Senior Director for Preservation Operations of the National Trust’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, will lead a panel about memorialization. Tiffany Tolbert, Co-Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, will moderate a third panel on reconciliation. Additional participants will include descendants, historians, and preservationists.

Seeing Our Humanity is the signature event of the larger “America 250: Justice for All” program taking place this year across four historic plantations in Virginia (Oatlands, Belle Grove Plantation, Woodlawn, and Montpelier) that are now affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The “Justice for All” program marks the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by exploring its central promise that “all people are created equal” through the perspective of descendants of people enslaved at those sites.

“Seeing Our Humanity lifts up the important work of descendant engagement from our sites that are shaped by slavery. This work impacts our ability to be reflective about our nuanced histories which helps us acknowledge our shared humanity,” said Omar Eaton-Martínez, Senior Vice President of Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“Historic places invite us to reflect on our shared history and the ideals that continue to shape our nation as America commemorates its 250th anniversary. Seeing Our Humanity brings together nationally recognized leaders to foster dialogue about our past and deepen our understanding of one another,” said Margaret Salazar-Porzio, Executive Director of Oatlands.

Media Contacts:

• Larisa Epatko for Oatlands | lepatko@savingplaces.org
• Sophia Schintzel for the National Trust for Historic Preservation | sschintzel@savingplaces.org

About Oatlands

Founded in 1798 as a plantation and site of enslavement, Oatlands is a place of striking beauty and profound history. This land carries histories of Indigenous presence, of bondage and emancipation, of injustice and resilience. Through inclusive storytelling, dynamic educational programs, and careful stewardship of its historic landscape and buildings, Oatlands invites visitors to reflect on the past and consider its enduring influence on our world today. Learn more at Oatlands.org.