Nov
5
7:30 PM19:30

The People's Historian: The Outsized Life of Howard Zinn | Voices of a People's History

  • David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This night of readings and musical performances is inspired by author Dave Zirin’s acclaimed new biography The People's Historian: The Outsized Life of Howard Zinn, and will feature selections from Zinn’s own writing and speeches, as well as work that deeply inspired him. Featuring Wallace Shawn, Jessica Hecht, Arian Moayed, Hari Kondabolu, Ali Dineen, and Staceyann Chin.

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Our People's History: Tracing the Latino Experience Throughout American History
May
20
7:00 PM19:00

Our People's History: Tracing the Latino Experience Throughout American History

Our People's History: Tracing the Latino Experience Throughout United States History recounts the contributions of Latino leaders who helped shape the history and culture of Latinos in the United States.

Produced by Anthony Arnove

CAST

Celia Keenan-Bolger - Tony Award-winning actress

Daphne Rubin-Vega - Two-time Tony Award nominee

J. Hoard - Grammy Award-winning vocalist and songwriter

Peppermint - The first openly trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway

Robin de Jesús - Three-time Tony Award nominee

Zabryna Guevara - SAG Award–nominated actress

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The People Speak and Sing! at DIFF 2025
Nov
7
7:00 PM19:00

The People Speak and Sing! at DIFF 2025

The works of Brooklyn-born author and historian Howard Zinn (1922–2010), particularly the classic bestsellers continue to shine a light on the extraordinary history of those engaged in struggles for freedom and justice in America. DIFF has found a meaningful partner in Voices of a People's History, a non-profit organization of artists and educators who seek to keep Zinn's message of grassroots egalitarianism alive.

  • Performers: Daphne Rubin-Vega (Only Murders in the Building, In the Heights), Alysia Reiner (The Diplomat, Ms. Marvel), Elizabeth Pan (Slanted, Reasonable Doubt), Christopher Rivas (Call Me Kat, Chicago PD), Cassie Bradley (Coronation Street, Casualty), Christine Bruno (God Friended Me, Flatbush Luck), Kim Kalesti (I love Today, Strike up the Band), Sola Fasehun (Founder, DIFF), Leta Levy (Request For Consultation, Invisible), Ann Flanigan (Brecht. On Brecht Off-Broadway), Niveka Hobaichan (Unlovable, Bittersweet), Mahima Saigal (Novel Romance, Evening Commute) and Haskiri Velazquez (Saved By the Bell, The Forty Year Old Version)

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The People Speak at The Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly 2025
Oct
8
7:00 PM19:00

The People Speak at The Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly 2025

Performed for the Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly at The Curran Theatre in San Fransisco on October 8, 2025

Produced with Voices of a People’s History of the United States, a legacy organization of the renowned historian Howard Zinn, and Ken Zinn

Co-edited, directed, and narrated by Anthony Arnove and Haley Pessin

Featuring Ato Blankson-Wood, Celia Keenan-Bolger, BD Wong, Daphne Ruben-Vega, Amber Gray, David Strathairn, Benjamin Bratt, Jessica Hecht, and Sweet Honey In the Rock

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Voices of a People's History: 250 Years of Dissent
Sep
25
7:30 PM19:30

Voices of a People's History: 250 Years of Dissent

  • David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A celebration of voices, in speech and song, that embody our rich tradition of dissent on the eve of the United States Semiquincentennial. Featuring Carl Hancock Rux, Christina Kirk, Isabelle McCalla, Jeorge Bennett Watson, Mona Moriya, Nikki M. James, and Robin de Jesús.

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NYU Portraits 2025: Where Social Justice Meets the Stage
Aug
28
7:00 PM19:00

NYU Portraits 2025: Where Social Justice Meets the Stage

  • Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Portraits: Where Social Change Meets the Stage

NYU Portraits is an annual, performance-based event featuring a dynamic cast of student and celebrity performance artists, speakers, and trailblazers. This NYU tradition is a vibrant and exciting showcase where historical and contemporary movements for social change come together on stage.

✨ Celebrity Cast: 

➡ Tituss Burgess, Actor and Singer
➡ Bonnie Milligan, Actor and Singer
➡ Alex Newell, Actor and Singer
➡ Krysta Rodriguez, Actor and Singer

✨ Student Cast

➡ Tyra Hughes (Tisch ’25) 
➡ Leilani Patao (Tisch ’26) 
➡ Saima (Steinhardt ’27) 

✨ Narrators! 

Narrators:
​​➡ Daniel Choi, Associate Dean, Steinhardt 
​​➡ Teagan Rabuano, Director, LGBTQ+ Center

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I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like: The Voice and Vision of Black Women Writers
Feb
20
7:30 PM19:30

I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like: The Voice and Vision of Black Women Writers

  • David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The event features musical and spoken word performances from Black women and nonbinary artists, inspired by the Black women writers featured in the acclaimed book I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like, edited by Rebecca Carroll. Featuring live performances by Alyson Palmer, Dael Orlandersmith, Erica Ford, Italy Lee, J Wortham, Kimberly Drew, Martha Redbone, Raquel Willis, Regina Fleming, Sol Street, Sydni Johnson, and Tressie McMillan Cottom. Narrated by Rebecca Carroll and Haley Pessin.

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The Impact Lounge at Sundance Film Festival: Voices of a People History of the United States
Jan
24
7:30 PM19:30

The Impact Lounge at Sundance Film Festival: Voices of a People History of the United States

  • The Prospector Conference Center and Theatre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by the Diversity and Inclusion Film Festival, Voices of a People’s History, and the Impact Lounge

This inspiring performance of Voices of the People’s History amplifies the powerful stories and voices that shape our world.

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Civic Action in the Classroom: Inspiring Young Changemakers
Nov
5
9:00 AM09:00

Civic Action in the Classroom: Inspiring Young Changemakers

  • Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Explore the role of civic engagement for younger generations on Election Day. Join content creator Nikita Redkar as she discusses how she uses her platform to raise awareness, promote civic action, empower their communities, and inspire the new generation to become changemakers. This event concludes with a performance from Voices of a People’s History student alumna James Wilson.

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Our History, Our Future: Celebrating 10 years of Voices at Lincoln Center
Sep
19
7:30 PM19:30

Our History, Our Future: Celebrating 10 years of Voices at Lincoln Center

  • David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

At a crucial moment in our history, this special tenth anniversary event at the David Rubenstein Atrium presents a vital reimagining of Howard Zinn's subjects through a musical and spoken word celebration of dissent, change, and civic growth. Featuring Celia Keenan-Bolger, Amber Gray, Aasif Mandvi, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Wallace Shawn, BD Wong, and Queen Esther, with Philip Harper and Sharp Radway.

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NYU Portraits: Where Social Change Meets the Stage
Aug
29
7:00 PM19:00

NYU Portraits: Where Social Change Meets the Stage

  • Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

NYU Portraits is an annual, performance-based event featuring a dynamic cast of student and celebrity performance artists, speakers, and trailblazers. This NYU tradition is a vibrant and exciting showcase where historical and contemporary movements for justice and equity come together on stage to inspire social change. This event is organized in collaboration with Voices of a People’s History of the United States.

Celebrity Cast:
Celisse, Singer
Stephanie Hsu, Actor
Danny Ramirez, Actor
Ali Stroker, Actor and Singer

NYU Student Cast:
Amina Abdiaziz (Steinhardt ’26)
Italy Ja'rae Lee (Tisch ’27)
Leilani Patao (Tisch ’26)
Naira Sarin (Tisch ’25)

Narrators:

Fred Carl, Associate Arts Professor and Co-Associate Dean of Faculty, Tisch
Renzhong Tan, Director, Center for Multicultural Education and Programs (CMEP)

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The People Speak—and Sing!
Aug
3
6:00 PM18:00

The People Speak—and Sing!

  • The Underground at Jaffe Drive (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Part of the Civic Saturdays series, Voices of a People’s History brings actors and musicians together to give voice to songs and readings that speak to the themes of liberty and the pursuit of happiness—from early U.S. history to the present. Featuring Jerrie Johnson, Amber Gray, Linda Diaz, Russell G. Jones, Queen Esther, Margaret Odette, Sharp Radway, and Philip Harper.

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Engaging With Voices of a People's History | Artist Talkback
Jul
20
5:00 PM17:00

Engaging With Voices of a People's History | Artist Talkback

  • LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Featuring the words of Yuri Kochiyama, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Red Canary Song, this audience-engagement event with Akemi Kochiyama will give expression to vital documents of dissent followed by a conversation moderated by Haley Pessin, who will make connections between the performance and contemporary potentials for civic engagement.

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Voices of a People's History Pop-Up Performance
Jul
7
5:00 PM17:00

Voices of a People's History Pop-Up Performance

Featuring the words of Alicia Garza, Angela Davis, Tarana J. Burke, Jill Nelson, and Marge Piercy, this soap-box style reading from Staceyann Chin will examine the efforts of people throughout the U.S. to achieve life, liberty, and happiness, despite others seeking to limit or deny these rights.

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CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER: Voices of a People's History Pop-Up Performance
Jun
30
5:00 PM17:00

CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER: Voices of a People's History Pop-Up Performance

This event has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Taking advantage of the open-air nature of Hearst Plaza, this soap-box-style dramatic reenactment of key speeches—examining the efforts of people throughout the U.S. to achieve life, liberty, and happiness, despite others seeking to limit or deny these rights—will both move and energize you. Featuring Jeorge Bennett Watson.

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The People Speak—and Sing!
Jun
29
6:00 PM18:00

The People Speak—and Sing!

Part of the Civic Saturdays series, Voices of a People’s History brings actors and musicians together to give voice to songs and readings that speak to the themes of liberty and the pursuit of happiness—from early U.S. history to the present. Featuring Eisa Davis, J Hoard (with guitarist Sean Richey), Martha Redbone, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Ianne Fields Stewart, Jeorge Bennett Watson, and Aaron Whitby. Narrated by Anthony Arnove and Haley Pessin.

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Engaging With Voices of a People's History | Artist Talkback
Jun
29
5:00 PM17:00

Engaging With Voices of a People's History | Artist Talkback

  • LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This audience-engagement event with Jeorge Bennett Watson features a brief performance giving expression to vital documents of dissent followed by a conversation moderated by Haley Pessin, who will help the audience make connections between the performance and contemporary potentials for civic engagement.

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Engaging With Voices of a People's History | Artist Talkback
Jun
15
5:00 PM17:00

Engaging With Voices of a People's History | Artist Talkback

  • LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This audience-engagement event with Russell G. Jones features a brief performance giving expression to vital documents of dissent followed by a conversation moderated by a facilitator skilled at making connections between the performance and contemporary potentials for civic engagement.

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In Defense of Teaching Black Studies: Reading, Writing & Justice
Nov
7
9:00 AM09:00

In Defense of Teaching Black Studies: Reading, Writing & Justice

  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On this Election Day, join authors Kimberlé Crenshaw and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor at the Schomburg Center for a CTLE credit-bearing experience for educators, to learn more about cutting-edge ideas in the field of Black Studies, and to receive practical, classroom-ready resources. Closing this event is a performance from Voices of a People’s History student alumnae, Fatou Thiam

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The People Speak at The Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly 2023
Oct
7
10:30 PM22:30

The People Speak at The Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly 2023

  • Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In partnership with National Nurses United

The People Speak is a set of dramatic readings of selected testimonies—speeches, letters, poems, songs, petitions, and manifestos—of people throughout U.S. history who struggled against slavery, racism, war, oppression, and exploitation, and who articulated a vision for a better world. The People Speak was inspired by Howard Zinn’s legendary book A People’s History of the United States, and its companion text, Voices of a People’s History of the United States.

Narrated by Anthony Arnove and Haley Pessin

Featuring:

Abigail Breslin

Rosario Dawson

Michael Ealy

Aisha Hinds

Tatiana Maslany

Arian Moayed

Andre Royo

Nico Santos

Wallace Shawn

and Hayley Gene Penner and the tall tall buildings

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