The People Speak: Common Sense at 250 and American Independence Today
In-Person and On Zoom
Join The Co-Lab as we mark the 250th anniversary of Common Sense, Thomas Paine’s powerful pamphlet that helped spark the American Revolution. Roger Williams Writing Studies professor Sarah Moon will introduce a live reading of an excerpted version of Common Sense with an overview of the rhetorical power of Paine's work. After the reading, Political Science professor and State Representative June Speakman will help draw links between the political tensions Paine was writing about in 1776 and American society in 2026. Teddi Jallow of the Refugee Dream Center will share how their work carries forward America’s founding promise and offer ways for community members to get involved. The evening will wrap up with an open conversation and audience Q&A.
For questions, please contact Co-Lab Faculty Director Liz Rosner at erosner@rwu.edu.
Parking Information: Event parking is available in Lot D.