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Hello, everyone! I am so excited to welcome you to what promises to be an incredibly thought-provoking conversation. Today, we’re traveling back in time to one of the most fascinating periods in American history—the Gilded Age. It was a time of wealth, extravagance, and innovation, but also of deep social inequalities, racial exclusion, and the rise of industrial cities. We’ll be exploring how the lessons from that era still resonate today. Now, before we begin, I must let you know that this is an imaginary conversation, where we’ve gathered some of the brightest minds—past and present—to discuss these complex topics. The wisdom they’ll share here transcends time, and we’re bringing it all together in one powerful discussion.
Joining us are some of the brightest minds to guide us through these complex topics. First, we have Robert Reich, an economist who’s spent his career advocating for economic justice, and Jill Lepore, a brilliant historian who brings rich insight into America’s political and social evolution.
We’re also joined by Paul Krugman, a Nobel-winning economist, who’ll shed light on how economic policies have shaped inequality. David Simon, creator of The Wire, will offer his perspective on the urban landscape, then and now.
Nancy Isenberg, historian and author of White Trash, will help us explore the deep-rooted class divides, while Rebecca Traister, a leading journalist, will discuss the early struggles for women’s rights during the era.
And, of course, we have Gloria Steinem, whose lifelong work in feminism will connect the gender issues of the Gilded Age to today’s fight for equality. Jane Jacobs, a revolutionary thinker on urban planning, will speak to how cities developed under the pressure of industrialization.
We’ll also hear from Eric Foner, an expert on labor movements, who will help us understand the rise of workers’ rights. Turning to race, Ta-Nehisi Coates will address the systemic racism that took root in this period, and Ibram X. Kendi will explore how those racial dynamics still shape inequality today. Finally, Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, will explain how systems of racial control evolved into mass incarceration.
And last but certainly not least, we’re joined by Julian Fellowes, creator of The Gilded Age TV series, who has brought this era to life in his show. Julian will help us understand how the wealth, power, and social dynamics of the Gilded Age continue to captivate audiences and reflect our modern society.
Together, this incredible panel will explore the intersections of wealth, race, gender, and power, as we take a closer look at the Gilded Age’s legacy and how it continues to shape our world today. Let’s begin!
The Wealth Gap: Lessons from the Gilded Age
Nick Sasaki: "Welcome to our conversation on The Wealth Gap: Lessons from the Gilded Age. The wealth disparity of that era remains a critical topic today. Joining us to discuss this, we have economists, historians, and cultural commentators, along with a special guest, Julian Fellowes, creator of The Gilded Age TV series, to share his insights on how the era’s wealth divide continues to resonate in modern times. Julian, why did you decide to focus on the Gilded Age, and how does the wealth gap in that era inform the themes in your show?"
Julian Fellowes: "Thank you, Nick. I’ve always been fascinated by periods of history where social dynamics are in flux, and the Gilded Age was just that. The wealth gap was stark—industrialists like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt amassed extraordinary fortunes, while the working class struggled in squalor. I wanted to show both sides: the glittering world of high society and the harsh realities beneath it. For me, the Gilded Age wasn’t just about wealth; it was about power and influence, and how those who had the wealth shaped the world around them."
Nick Sasaki: "Robert, how does the portrayal of wealth in The Gilded Age help us understand the economic forces that shaped the wealth gap, then and now?"
Robert Reich: "Julian’s portrayal of the Gilded Age brilliantly reflects how concentrated wealth leads to concentrated power, much like today. During that era, the richest 1% controlled almost everything—resources, labor, and politics. This is a direct parallel to what we see in modern economies where billionaires and corporations wield disproportionate influence. Just like in the Gilded Age, today’s economic policies often benefit the wealthy, while wages for average workers stagnate. Julian shows how the wealthiest not only shaped society but insulated themselves from the problems they helped create, which is something we’re still grappling with today."
Nick Sasaki: "Jill, as a historian, do you think the show captures the historical dynamics of the Gilded Age that led to such extreme economic inequality?"
Jill Lepore: "Absolutely, Nick. What Julian captures well is the opulence of the elite, but also the deep divide between the classes. During the Gilded Age, America experienced rapid industrialization, but the wealth it generated was distributed incredibly unevenly. Factory workers, many of them immigrants, worked long hours in terrible conditions for little pay. This stark contrast between the wealthy and the working poor created enormous social tension. And just as in Julian’s show, those tensions eventually led to calls for reform. What we see today—movements for fair wages, labor rights, and economic reform—has its roots in the inequities of that era."
Nick Sasaki: "Paul, how do the economic policies of the Gilded Age compare to what we’re experiencing today in terms of wealth inequality?"
Paul Krugman: "The similarities are striking. During the Gilded Age, we had an unregulated economy where monopolies thrived, and the government often sided with business interests over workers. What Julian’s show illustrates is how that kind of unchecked capitalism leads to extraordinary wealth for a few and economic hardship for many. In today’s world, we see similar patterns: tax policies and deregulation that favor the wealthy and leave ordinary people behind. The problem then, as now, is that when wealth is concentrated at the top, it stifles economic mobility. We need progressive policies, like higher taxes on the wealthy and stronger labor protections, to address this imbalance."
Nick Sasaki: "David, your work focuses on urban poverty and inequality. How does the Gilded Age, as portrayed in Julian’s series, help us understand the long-term effects of wealth concentration on cities and working-class communities?"
David Simon: "What Julian’s show captures is how cities became the front lines for inequality. The wealthy lived in lavish homes and built up areas like Fifth Avenue in New York, while the working poor lived in tenements, overcrowded and underserved. This is still happening today in cities around the world. Gentrification is pushing out working-class communities, and affordable housing is increasingly scarce. The industrialists of the Gilded Age reshaped cities in ways that prioritized the rich, and those legacies are still with us. If you walk through any major city today, you’ll see neighborhoods divided along economic lines, just like back then."
Nick Sasaki: "Julian, how do you see the wealth gap of the Gilded Age informing the themes of social mobility and power dynamics in your show?"
Julian Fellowes: "The Gilded Age was a period of significant change in terms of social mobility—at least for some. Industrialists like George Russell, a character in my show, were able to break into the old-money circles by sheer force of their wealth, but for many others, the barriers were almost insurmountable. For the working class, upward mobility was largely out of reach. I wanted to explore how those with wealth could wield it as a tool for influence and power, and how those without it were often left voiceless. That’s not unlike what we see today, where wealth still buys access and privilege, and many are still fighting for a place at the table."
Nick Sasaki: "Thank you, Julian. This conversation reveals just how deep the connections run between the Gilded Age and today’s economic landscape. From wealth concentration to social mobility, these themes are more relevant than ever. Thank you to all our guests for their valuable insights."
Old Money vs. New Money: Social Hierarchies and Class Conflict
Nick Sasaki: "In this topic, we’ll explore the clash between old money and new money during the Gilded Age, focusing on social hierarchies and class conflict. Julian, since your series highlights this tension, could you share how you approached the portrayal of old money versus new money in The Gilded Age?"
Julian Fellowes: "Sure, Nick. The conflict between old money and new money was central to the social fabric of the Gilded Age. Old-money families like the Astors had built their status over generations, while the new-money industrialists—those who made fortunes in railroads, steel, and oil—were trying to gain acceptance into elite circles. This tension was fascinating to portray because it wasn’t just about money; it was about social capital, tradition, and the fear of change. In the show, we see the resistance of the old guard to let new money into their world, even though the new industrialists were quickly becoming wealthier and more influential."
Nick Sasaki: "Nancy, how did this divide between old and new money shape the social dynamics of the Gilded Age?"
Nancy Isenberg: "The divide between old money and new money during the Gilded Age was deeply entrenched in class and cultural identity. Old-money families prided themselves on their lineage, their long-standing presence in society, and their control over social institutions. New-money families, on the other hand, were often seen as brash, vulgar, and lacking refinement, despite their immense wealth. This clash wasn’t just about economics—it was about preserving social boundaries. The old-money families tried to protect their cultural dominance, while the new-money industrialists used their wealth to challenge these social barriers. Ultimately, the Gilded Age was a period where these boundaries began to blur, but not without resistance from both sides."
Nick Sasaki: "Jill, from a historical perspective, how accurate is the portrayal of these social hierarchies in Julian’s series? Was the resistance to new money as strong as it appears?"
Jill Lepore: "Julian’s portrayal is quite accurate. Old-money families in cities like New York and Boston did resist the influx of new money. The old aristocracy relied on social clubs, exclusive parties, and institutions like private schools to maintain their distinct status. But as the industrialists grew richer, it became harder to ignore them. They began building massive mansions on Fifth Avenue, throwing lavish parties, and using philanthropy to gain social capital. The tension between these two groups was very real and speaks to a broader issue of class mobility—or the lack thereof. Even though new-money industrialists were becoming incredibly powerful, they were often still seen as outsiders by the old elite."
Nick Sasaki: "Simon, how did the conflict between old and new money in America compare to the class systems in Europe during the same period?"
Simon Schama: "In Europe, particularly in countries like Britain, the aristocracy had been established for centuries, and social mobility was far more rigid. Wealth alone couldn’t buy you entry into the upper echelons of society—you needed a title, land, and a long family history. In America, however, things were more fluid. Although old-money families tried to mimic European aristocracy, the industrialists were able to disrupt these social hierarchies because of the sheer scale of their fortunes. America was, in theory, more meritocratic, but as we see in the Gilded Age, there were still significant social barriers. What’s interesting is that over time, the new-money families found ways to integrate themselves into the old-money circles, using their wealth to reshape American society."
Nick Sasaki: "Andrew, looking at today’s world, do we still see echoes of this old money versus new money conflict in modern financial and social structures?"
Andrew Ross Sorkin: "Absolutely, Nick. Today, we still have these dynamics, especially in industries like tech and finance. You have traditional financial institutions and old-money families who’ve been wealthy for generations, and then you have the tech billionaires who are the new industrialists of our time. What’s interesting is that today’s new-money elites are often even wealthier than the old-money families, but there’s still a cultural gap. The new money tends to disrupt industries and challenge traditional norms, much like the industrialists of the Gilded Age. This creates friction, not just in terms of wealth, but also in social values and influence."
Nick Sasaki: "Julian, when portraying these tensions, what do you think we can learn from the way old and new money interacted during the Gilded Age?"
Julian Fellowes: "One of the key takeaways is that wealth doesn’t automatically translate into social acceptance. The industrialists of the Gilded Age had to fight for their place in society, and even then, they were often met with suspicion. The old-money families were gatekeepers of tradition, and they weren’t eager to let new money in. Today, we can see similar dynamics in how established industries and social elites react to disruptors and innovators. The Gilded Age teaches us that power is not just about having money—it’s about navigating the social and cultural forces that govern who gets to be at the top."
Nick Sasaki: "It’s clear that the dynamics between old and new money during the Gilded Age still resonate in our society today. Thank you all for your insightful contributions to this discussion."
The Role of Women in Society: Power, Constraint, and Change
Nick Sasaki: "Welcome to the discussion on The Role of Women in Society: Power, Constraint, and Change during the Gilded Age. Julian, in your show, you depict women navigating societal constraints while also pushing boundaries. Could you share how you approached portraying women’s roles during this era?"
Julian Fellowes: "Thank you, Nick. The Gilded Age was a fascinating period for women, particularly upper-class women, who were bound by strict societal expectations but were beginning to push against those constraints. I wanted to show how women, despite being excluded from political and economic power, were incredibly influential in shaping society. They used their roles in philanthropy, social clubs, and even in the household to exercise what power they had. Characters like Bertha Russell, in my show, represent the ambitious women of the era, determined to break into high society, while others reflect the more traditional roles women were expected to play. It was a time of contradiction and change, with women fighting for more independence."
Nick Sasaki: "Susan, what were the primary constraints that women faced during the Gilded Age, and how did they begin to challenge them?"
Susan Faludi: "Women in the Gilded Age were subject to what we often call the 'cult of domesticity.' Their primary roles were as wives and mothers, expected to uphold the moral and social values of the family. For upper-class women, this meant managing the household and participating in charity work, but always within the boundaries of respectability. Working-class women, on the other hand, often had no choice but to enter the workforce, taking on roles in factories, domestic service, or as shop girls. However, despite these constraints, women began to find ways to assert their power. The suffrage movement was gaining momentum, and women’s clubs became spaces for discussing reform. It was the beginning of a long struggle for rights that would extend well into the 20th century."
Nick Sasaki: "Nancy, how did class affect the roles and constraints women faced during this period?"
Nancy Isenberg: "Class played a huge role in determining what constraints women faced and how they could navigate them. Upper-class women, like the characters in Julian’s show, were often trapped by societal expectations of propriety and moral responsibility. They were supposed to represent the ‘ideal’ woman, which limited their roles to charity work or managing their households. In contrast, working-class women, many of whom were immigrants, had to work out of necessity. These women had different struggles—long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. But regardless of class, women were largely excluded from positions of real power, both politically and economically. What’s important to remember is that, across the board, women were beginning to organize and challenge the status quo, leading to the broader suffrage and labor movements."
Nick Sasaki: "Rebecca, how did women begin to assert their independence and fight for their rights during this era?"
Rebecca Traister: "The Gilded Age was the starting point for many of the movements that would define women's rights in the 20th century. Women were organizing through suffrage groups, labor movements, and social reform clubs. Figures like Susan B. Anthony were rallying women to demand the vote, while others were pushing for reforms in labor laws and public health. What’s remarkable about this period is how women began to see themselves as political actors, even if they couldn’t vote. Through philanthropy and activism, they were shaping public policy and laying the groundwork for future movements. The Gilded Age was a time of awakening for women, where they started to challenge the constraints of their roles and envision a more equal future."
Nick Sasaki: "Gloria, as someone who has long fought for women’s rights, how do you see the Gilded Age shaping the feminist movements of the 20th century?"
Gloria Steinem: "The Gilded Age set the stage for the feminist movements that followed. The women of that era were fighting not only for the right to vote but also for a voice in shaping society. They were laying the foundation for what would become the first wave of feminism. What’s interesting is how they had to navigate a society that saw them as moral guardians but not as equals. The suffrage movement, labor activism, and even the push for higher education for women all started gaining momentum during this time. Those early battles were crucial for the victories that would come later, from gaining the right to vote to the broader feminist movements of the 1960s and beyond."
Nick Sasaki: "Julian, do you see parallels between the struggles women faced during the Gilded Age and today?"
Julian Fellowes: "Absolutely. While the context has changed, the core struggle for women’s equality remains. In the Gilded Age, women were fighting for the right to participate fully in society, and in many ways, we’re still having that fight today. The barriers may be less visible now, but they exist in different forms. Whether it’s equal pay, reproductive rights, or representation in leadership roles, the challenges that women faced in the Gilded Age laid the groundwork for the ongoing struggle for equality. I wanted to capture both the limitations women faced and their resilience in pushing back against those constraints."
Nick Sasaki: "Thank you, Julian, and thank you to all our panelists for exploring how the Gilded Age set the stage for women’s movements and power dynamics that continue to shape our world today."
Industrialization and the Rise of the Modern American City
Nick Sasaki: "In this topic, we’ll dive into the massive impact of industrialization on the rise of the modern American city during the Gilded Age. Julian, your show portrays the transformation of cities like New York. Could you share your perspective on how industrialization reshaped urban life during this era?"
Julian Fellowes: "Thank you, Nick. The Gilded Age was a period when cities were expanding at a rapid pace due to industrialization, and the show focuses on this transformation. New York, for example, became a hub of economic activity, with skyscrapers and mansions rising alongside overcrowded tenements. The wealth generated by industrialists was concentrated in the city, but at the same time, the working-class population exploded, leading to poor living conditions for many. I wanted to show how industrialization brought both opportunity and inequality, reshaping the urban landscape into something magnificent but also deeply divided."
Nick Sasaki: "Robert, how did industrialization contribute to the economic growth of cities, and what were its broader effects on inequality?"
Robert Reich: "Industrialization was the engine of economic growth during the Gilded Age, and cities became the focal point of that growth. Factories, railroads, and steel mills drew workers from rural areas and abroad, fueling urban expansion. However, this growth came at a cost. While the industrialists and factory owners grew incredibly wealthy, workers were often paid very little and lived in poor conditions. The infrastructure in many cities couldn’t keep up with the rapid population increase, leading to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the rise of slums. Industrialization concentrated wealth in the hands of a few, while the working class struggled to survive in the very cities their labor helped build."
Nick Sasaki: "David, your work often explores urban inequality. How does the Gilded Age, as depicted in Julian’s show, help us understand the lasting effects of industrialization on cities today?"
David Simon: "What Julian shows so well is the dual nature of cities during the Gilded Age. On one side, you had the industrialists building their empires, and on the other, the workers living in overcrowded, unhealthy conditions. This divide is still visible in modern cities today, where gentrification and economic inequality push working-class people to the margins. Cities were, and still are, battlegrounds for inequality. Industrialization may have built the infrastructure and economic base of modern cities, but it also created the economic divides that we’re still dealing with. The wealth gap, the housing crisis, and even urban decay can all be traced back to this era of rapid, unregulated growth."
Nick Sasaki: "Jane, as an urban theorist, how do you see the Gilded Age influencing the design and development of cities?"
Jane Jacobs: "The Gilded Age left a lasting legacy on urban design, much of it unintended. Cities grew haphazardly during this time, with little thought to the social or human aspects of urban life. The focus was on building infrastructure to support industry—railroads, factories, warehouses—but not necessarily on building livable communities. This lack of planning led to the rise of tenements, overcrowded housing, and a disconnection between work and home life. What I’ve always advocated for is a return to designing cities for people, not just for commerce. We need to create urban environments that foster community, where people of all socioeconomic backgrounds can thrive. The mistakes made during the Gilded Age, where profit and efficiency were prioritized over livability, are lessons we’re still trying to learn from today."
Nick Sasaki: "Eric, how did industrialization shape the labor movements that emerged in cities during the Gilded Age?"
Eric Foner: "Industrialization dramatically changed the nature of work, particularly in urban areas. Factories and mills employed thousands of workers, many of whom worked long hours in dangerous conditions for low pay. This led to the rise of labor unions and strikes, as workers began to demand better wages, shorter hours, and safer working conditions. The labor movement gained momentum during the Gilded Age precisely because of the harsh realities of industrial work. Cities became hotbeds for these movements, with strikes like the Haymarket Riot and Pullman Strike making national headlines. These early labor battles laid the groundwork for the labor rights we enjoy today, but they also showed how industrialization concentrated both economic power and labor unrest in urban centers."
Nick Sasaki: "Julian, your show portrays these stark contrasts between wealth and labor. What message do you hope viewers take away about the impact of industrialization on urban life?"
Julian Fellowes: "I wanted to show that industrialization was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brought about incredible advancements in technology and infrastructure, but on the other, it exacerbated inequality. The rich were able to create lives of unimaginable luxury, while the poor were trapped in cycles of poverty and hard labor. I hope viewers see that the dynamics of industrialization—wealth for a few and struggle for many—are not just historical relics. They continue to shape our cities today, and I think we need to be mindful of how modern economic systems perpetuate these divides."
Nick Sasaki: "Thank you, Julian, and thank you to all our guests. This discussion has shed light on how industrialization shaped not only the cities of the Gilded Age but also the modern urban landscape, with all its opportunities and inequalities."
Race and Exclusion in the Gilded Age: The Hidden Story
Nick Sasaki: "In this conversation, we’ll examine Race and Exclusion in the Gilded Age, focusing on how racial hierarchies were reinforced during this period and the lasting impact on modern society. Julian, your show highlights the complexities of race during this era. Could you start by sharing how you approached portraying racial dynamics in The Gilded Age?"
Julian Fellowes: "Thank you, Nick. The Gilded Age was not only a time of economic inequality but also one of deep racial exclusion. For me, it was important to depict the racial barriers that African Americans and other marginalized groups faced during this time. Although the show focuses on the upper echelons of society, I wanted to hint at the broader picture, where people of color were systematically excluded from wealth, power, and opportunity. Whether through Jim Crow laws in the South or de facto segregation in the North, the Gilded Age reinforced racial hierarchies that still affect us today."
Nick Sasaki: "Ta-Nehisi, how did the Gilded Age cement racial inequality, particularly for African Americans, and what were the long-term consequences?"
Ta-Nehisi Coates: "The Gilded Age was a turning point for racial inequality in America. After the brief period of Reconstruction, where African Americans made political and social gains, the Gilded Age marked the rollback of those advancements. Jim Crow laws were established in the South to disenfranchise African Americans, and violent acts of terrorism, like lynching, were used to reinforce white supremacy. African Americans were largely excluded from the economic boom of the Gilded Age, often relegated to sharecropping or low-wage labor. This systemic exclusion created a racial wealth gap that persists today. The era cemented the idea that African Americans were second-class citizens, and that legacy of exclusion still shapes the racial dynamics of modern America."
Nick Sasaki: "Jill, how did race intersect with class and immigration during the Gilded Age?"
Jill Lepore: "Race, class, and immigration were deeply intertwined during the Gilded Age. While African Americans faced the most overt forms of racial exclusion, other immigrant groups—particularly those from Southern and Eastern Europe—were also viewed as racially inferior. These immigrants, while often seen as ‘white,’ were not fully accepted by the Anglo-Saxon elites. The class divide became racialized, with different ethnic groups being slotted into specific roles within the economic hierarchy. Immigrants were often put to work in dangerous, low-paying factory jobs, while African Americans were largely kept out of industrial labor altogether. The racial hierarchies established during this period helped maintain the dominance of old-money elites and justified the exclusion of certain groups from the prosperity of the era."
Nick Sasaki: "Ibram, how did the policies of the Gilded Age lay the groundwork for systemic racism, and how do they connect to modern racial inequalities?"
Ibram X. Kendi: "The Gilded Age was crucial in laying the foundation for systemic racism in America. The implementation of Jim Crow laws, the rise of discriminatory housing practices, and the exclusion of African Americans from many industries created a racialized caste system. This era marked the beginning of policies that restricted African Americans from building wealth, whether through land ownership, access to education, or employment opportunities. These policies didn’t end with the Gilded Age—they evolved. Redlining, segregation in schools, and even the mass incarceration system we see today are extensions of the racial exclusion that began during this period. The racial disparities we witness in wealth, education, and criminal justice can be traced back to the Gilded Age and the structures of inequality that were put in place."
Nick Sasaki: "Michelle, your work on mass incarceration highlights how systems of racial control evolved from the Gilded Age. How do you see this connection?"
Michelle Alexander: "The connection is direct. After the Civil War, the South’s economy was in shambles, and African Americans, who had been emancipated, posed a challenge to the old racial order. The Gilded Age saw the rise of convict leasing, where African Americans were arrested for minor crimes and leased out as laborers. This system was essentially a new form of slavery. Over time, these racial control mechanisms evolved into the mass incarceration system we see today, where African Americans are disproportionately targeted and imprisoned. The idea that African Americans needed to be controlled, economically and socially, began in the Gilded Age and continues to manifest in our criminal justice system. The racial hierarchies established during that period are still deeply embedded in our institutions."
Nick Sasaki: "Julian, how do you see the legacy of racial exclusion from the Gilded Age influencing the stories you tell in your show?"
Julian Fellowes: "One of the things I wanted to explore in The Gilded Age was the stark contrast between the world of wealth and privilege and the systemic exclusion of others, particularly African Americans. While my show focuses on high society, I wanted viewers to be aware that beneath this glittering surface, there were entire communities being shut out from the prosperity of the era. The legacy of this exclusion still resonates today, not just in terms of race, but in how power and privilege are maintained. The Gilded Age teaches us that exclusion is often systemic, and that those with power and wealth often create barriers to protect their status."
Nick Sasaki: "Thank you, Julian, and thank you to all of our panelists for this insightful discussion on the lasting impact of racial exclusion during the Gilded Age. It’s a powerful reminder of how deeply these issues are embedded in the fabric of our history and how they continue to shape modern society."
Short Bios:
Robert Reich: An economist and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Reich is a prominent voice on economic inequality, labor rights, and wealth disparity.
Jill Lepore: Historian and professor at Harvard, Lepore is an expert in American political and social history, particularly the evolution of democratic institutions.
Paul Krugman: Nobel Prize-winning economist, Krugman is known for his work on economic policy, globalization, and income inequality. He’s also a columnist for The New York Times.
David Simon: Creator of The Wire and former journalist, Simon’s work focuses on the intersection of urban life, poverty, and systemic social issues.
Nancy Isenberg: Historian and author of White Trash, Isenberg explores class dynamics in American history, with a focus on marginalized groups.
Rebecca Traister: A journalist and author, Traister writes extensively about feminism, women’s rights, and the intersection of gender and politics in modern and historical contexts.
Gloria Steinem: A pioneering feminist and activist, Steinem is known for her leadership in the women’s rights movement and for advocating gender equality for decades.
Jane Jacobs: An urban theorist, Jacobs is renowned for her groundbreaking work on city planning, advocating for livable, community-centered urban spaces.
Eric Foner: A historian and professor, Foner is a leading expert on Reconstruction, labor movements, and the political transformations of post-Civil War America.
Ta-Nehisi Coates: A writer and social critic, Coates is best known for his works on systemic racism, African American history, and the case for reparations.
Ibram X. Kendi: Historian and best-selling author, Kendi is a leading voice on antiracism, exploring the roots and impacts of systemic racial inequalities in America.
Michelle Alexander: Legal scholar and civil rights advocate, Alexander is the author of The New Jim Crow, focusing on mass incarceration and racial injustice in the U.S.
Julian Fellowes is a British actor, novelist, and screenwriter best known for creating the critically acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age. With a keen eye for historical detail, Fellowes brings to life the complexities of class, wealth, and power in period dramas. His work often explores the social hierarchies and cultural shifts of past eras, making him a leading voice in historical storytelling.
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