Every story provides a map of the society in which it was written. Every story, like every creative act, contains the trace of freedom.

As we interpret the richest stories from our past, we have a chance to name the histories of violence that have scarred our society. By creating fuller, richer stories, we can begin to imagine more just and egalitarian communities in which all can flourish. Through these practices, the humanities classroom can become a place of healing and liberation. As we pursue these practices more widely beyond the university, in our towns and cities, we can create the networks of trust and dialogue on which true democracy depends.