I hadn’t heard of Sarah Lewis until I saw an announcement of Vision and Art. a “convening” on art, race, and justice that she conceived and organized.  Sponsored by the Radcliffe Institute, the Ford Foundation and others, it was open to the public. Peter and I went to three sessions.  The convening’s purpose was “to consider the role of art and culture in citizenship, race and justice” and to explore the ability of culture to change perceptions.

Sarah Lewis is an Assistant Professor in Harvard’s departments of History, Art and Architecture and of African American Studies.  You can see what she has achieved at the age of thirty-nine here.  In addition to being smart and accomplished, she is beautiful, charming, and unassuming. 

The program included Wynton Marsalis, playing his trumpet with three other jazz musicians and participating in a discussion with former Harvard President, Drew Faust and, Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater, Diane Paulus,  Chelsea Clinton interviewing the pediatrician who brought problem of lead in  Flint, Michigan’s water supply to the public’s attention, Brian Stevenson founder of the Equal Justice Institute, a young member of the cast of the TV show “Blackish” and an even younger (age twelve) activist for girls of color.

You can watch Marsalis’ opening performance here.

And the rest of the convening will be on YouTube shortly.