Last night, at The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, Murmuration brought together leaders, organizers, creators, and journalists to explore the question “What kind of America are we building for the next 250 years?” at America 251 & Beyond. Rather than looking backward with nostalgia, the gathering encouraged guests to consider the stories we tell about America, the communities we're building today, and the future we have the opportunity to create together.
Throughout the evening, our series of lightning talks explored seven dimensions of civic life: belonging, community, joy, identity, agency, nation, and hope. These conversations challenged us to think beyond today's political moment and toward the conditions that allow people and communities to thrive. From reimagining who belongs in America to examining the role of place in fostering civic participation, each speaker offered a distinct perspective while contributing to a broader conversation about the country's next chapter.
We are especially grateful to the remarkable speakers who shared their insights throughout the evening: Murad Awawdeh, Daria Dawson, Jason Green, Astead Herndon, Cord Jefferson, Alex Johnston, Amanda Litman, and Murmuration’s Chief Research Officer, Sarah Stamper. Their ideas, experiences, and storytelling made clear that the future of American civic life will be shaped not by any one institution or individual, but by the countless ways people choose to participate in, care for, and invest in their communities.
The evening opened with remarks from our Founder and CEO, Emma Bloomberg, who reflected on Murmuration's belief that America's greatest opportunity lies ahead—not in recreating an idealized past, but in strengthening the communities, relationships, and institutions that make democracy possible. That vision carried through each conversation, reminding us that building a healthier civic life requires imagination, collaboration, and a willingness to rethink old assumptions about how change happens.
The conversations don't end here. In the coming weeks, we'll continue exploring these ideas through our America 251 Substack series. We'll also publish an interactive report featuring the research and insights that informed America 251, offering a deeper look at the questions, trends, and experiences that shaped the event.
