Two former U.S. presidents, along with a former first lady and a lineup of notable historians, authors, academics, and journalists, came together at the Academy Museum for a History Talks event. The focus of the event was to examine moments of conflict in American history in order to shed light on the current state of polarization in the country.
The event, hosted by A+E Networks’ History Channel, featured discussions with President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, and former first lady Laura Bush. The event kicked off with a conversation between President Bush and Laura Bush, moderated by their daughter Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of “Today.”
A star-studded lineup of speakers, including Kevin Costner, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, Kate Winslet, Nicole Avant, and John Legend, took the stage to share their insights on various topics related to history and conflict. The event drew a large industry crowd, with prominent figures such as Disney CEO Bob Iger, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and CBS chief George Cheeks in attendance.
History Talks is a series of events hosted by the History Channel, spearheaded by A+E Networks president and chairman Paul Buccieri. The event also highlighted L.A.’s Roybal Film and Television magnet program, which aims to prepare high school students for careers in the entertainment industry.
During his Q&A session with Malcolm Gladwell, President Obama reflected on his time in office and discussed the impact of past presidents on the nation. He highlighted the importance of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and Lincoln, who have had a profound effect on how Americans view themselves and their relationships with one another.
Other sessions at the event included Kate Winslet discussing her upcoming movie “Lee,” Kevin Costner reflecting on his love for the American West, Nicole Avant discussing the Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight,” and Eva Longoria engaging in a Q&A with musician John Legend.
Overall, the History Talks event provided a platform for insightful discussions on history, conflict, and the power of storytelling in shaping cultural and political change. The event showcased the importance of understanding the past in order to navigate the challenges of the present and future.
