Past Events

Some institutions are home to centers that study and aim to improve democracy. Among other functions, they involve students in their research, and they may study civic education.

On this panel, to discuss their institutions, civic involvement, and research, are:

Jessica Kimpell Johnson, Director of Research, Karsh Institute of Democracy; Manager of the John L. Nau III Lab on the History & Principles of Democracy, University of Virginia

Amy Binder, SNF-Agora Professor of Sociology, Johns Hopkins University

Mindy Romero, Founder and Director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID), University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy in Sacramento

Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, Founding Director of the Center for Governance and Markets; Professor, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Moderator: Leela Strong, Newhouse Director of the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Tisch College at Tufts University

Photo by Laurie Swope for Tufts University, Apr 10, 2026.

This panel is part of the Civics in Higher Education National Summit that took place on the Tufts University campus on April 10, 2026.

Eboo Patel delivered a brief lecture at the midpoint of the Civics in Higher Education National Summit, considering the rise of civic thought centers on college campuses and how they should aspire to the ideal of America as "a diversity project."

Some higher ed institutions have developed curricular programs within a liberal arts curriculum for civic education, ranging from courses to majors and even schools. Political scientist Josiah Ober moderates a discussion focused on the importance of introducing primary sources, grounding teaching in great works of literature and why it’s important to include lived experience into the classroom. Panelists also highlighted the significance of developing cultural competency to make historic sources relevant and how prioritizing students’ critical thinking and reflection in the classroom is essential.

Some institutions are deeply engaged with their neighboring communities, and they understand that partnerships provide opportunities for civic learning while generating knowledge and other public goods. Three educators shared the details of their local civic involvement.

Jonathan Holloway, President & CEO of the Luce Foundation, greeted guests attending the Civics in Higher Education at Tufts University in April, 2026. He shares his own career journey and how he sees the opportunity for colleges and universities to play a transformative role in the lives of those who do not come from college-going traditions.

Peter Levine, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Lincoln Filene Professor, Tisch College at Tufts University, welcomed guests to the Civics in Higher Education National Summit that took place on the Tufts University campus on April 10, 2026.

Author Chris Wrenn, a member of the Boston hardcore punk music scene, had a dream of his own—to start his own record label. Embracing the do-it-yourself ethos of the scene, Chris set out to make it happen, networking and forging relationships with local bands.

Presented by GBH Music and JazzBoston, GBH Jazz Nights welcome saxophonist, flautist, and composer Ken Field and his RSE Trio—Blake Newman on bass and Phil Neighbors on drums—to perform a set that blends the spirit of New Orleans jazz with some of the Field’s original compositions for his group, the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble.

GBH Jazz Nights showcase the incredible range of jazz talent in the Greater Boston area. The series is co-hosted by JazzBoston and GBH Music, taking place on the second Thursday of every month from September through May. Tickets are free, but registration is encouraged. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! By registering, you agree to receive email communications from GBH Music.

GBH Jazz Nights are made possible by the Goldstein Family Fund.

As we transition into the spring and summer months, the expansion of outdoor athletics offers a powerful medium for the unique communal experiences that define us as social and psychological beings. This conversation explores how sporting events serve as a vital catalyst for well-being, providing a rare space to thrive through shared identity and emotional support. According to the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, these gatherings do more than just entertain; they foster essential social connections that preserve our health and happiness. Whether we are united by the electric joy of a collective victory or finding solace in a shared defeat, the bonds formed in the stands and on the field are fundamental to our enduring sense of belonging. Join us as we dive into the science of connection and celebrate the spirit of the game.

Guests:

Alex Richardson
Career Development Manager, The Base

Adrienne Benton 
Co-founder, Black Unicorn Marathoners
Member, Black Girls Run Boston

Tony Richards, Sr.
Founder and Program Director
No Books No Ball Basketball Program

Yamiley Millor
Cheer Coordinator, Brookline Jamaica Plain Patriots Cheer Squad

GBH Amplifies is a community conversation series focused on expanding the reach of local voices from Greater Boston and beyond. The series features community leaders hosting public conversations in the GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, providing a platform for inclusive perspectives on the issues that matter most to New England communities. GBH Amplifies happens weekly on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm at the GBH BPL Studio. This event is free and open to the public.

GBH Amplifies is also being supported by the Barr Foundation.

Registration is encouraged for this free event.

Limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. If you require a seat, we encourage you to arrive before the start time of this event.

Renowned legal scholar, civil rights advocate, and former judge, Margaret A. Burnham is the founder of Northeastern University School of Law’s Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project (CRRJ) and author of By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow’s Legal Executioners. Through CRRJ, Burnham has led teams of law students in investigating acts of racial violence in the Jim Crow era, including hundreds of unsolved murders of Black people among other historical failures of the criminal justice system.

She joins Boston College to discuss her recent case in which the Dallas County Commissioners Court delivered a posthumous exoneration of Texas man, Tommy Lee Walker, 70 years after his wrongful conviction and execution.