Danielle Allen, James Conant University Professor at Harvard University, is the director of Harvard’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics. Allen discusses the deficiency of civics education in America resulting from policies wrought by polarized politics. She talks about the importance of egalitarian and participatory democracy. Her Democratic Knowledge Project identifies skills, knowledge, and habits citizens need to participate in democracy; and how to participate in a digital space while being intentional about self protection. Additionally Allen reflects on her memoir Cuz: The Life and Times of Michael A. about her cousin who was incarcerated 11 years prior to his death at a young age. Allen gave a talk titled “The Ethics of Public Participation in a Digital Age” on May 21, 2019 as the Oregon Humanities Center’s 2018-19 Kritikos Lecturer.
