Hundreds of scholars, students and community members came together in New Mexico State University to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Imagining America (IA) Gathering. The event brought together a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds and disciplines, all united by a common goal: to use the power of imagination to create positive change in their communities.
The IA Gathering, a three-day conference, featured a variety of workshops, panels, performances and presentations centered around the theme of “Imagining America: Enriching Lives, Engaging Communities”. The conference provided a platform for participants to share their research, projects and experiences, as well as collaborate and learn from each other.
One of the highlights of the event was the keynote address by esteemed scholar and activist, Dr. Angela Davis. With her inspiring words, Dr. Davis challenged attendees to look beyond the traditional boundaries of academia and use their knowledge to address pressing social issues. She emphasized the importance of art and imagination in creating a more just and equitable society, saying, “We have to imagine ourselves out of the structures that have kept us in place for so long.”
The conference also featured a plenary session with IA co-founders, Dr. Julie Ellison and Dr. Scott Peters, who reflected on the growth and impact of the organization over the past 25 years. From its humble beginnings as a small gathering of scholars, IA has now evolved into an international consortium of over 100 member institutions dedicated to civic engagement and public scholarship.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops and panels, covering topics such as community-based research, public art, and storytelling for social change. One panel focused on the role of universities in building stronger and more inclusive communities, with speakers discussing the importance of partnerships between institutions and local organizations.
In addition to traditional conference sessions, the IA Gathering also showcased the power of art and performance in social activism. Attendees were treated to a captivating performance by the Las Cruces community theatre group, “No Strings Theatre Company”, as well as a powerful spoken word performance by local artists.
The event also provided a platform for graduate students to present their work and engage in discussions with established scholars. For many of the students, this was a valuable opportunity to receive feedback and gain new perspectives on their research projects.
The IA Gathering not only celebrated the past accomplishments of the organization, but also looked towards the future with the launch of its new initiative, “Imagining America 2020”. This initiative aims to harness the power of imagination and creativity to address critical issues facing communities across the nation.
As the conference came to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in their communities. The IA Gathering proved to be a valuable platform for networking, learning, and inspiration, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who all share a common vision of using the power of imagination for social change.
In his closing remarks, IA co-founder Dr. Scott Peters stated, “At a time when division and fear seem to be dominating the headlines, it is crucial that we come together to imagine a better future for ourselves and our communities.” The 25th anniversary of the IA Gathering served as a reminder that through collaboration and imagination, we can build a more just and inclusive society for all.
