Planet Word

How do we bridge the divides in our polarized nation? Over the last 20 months, PBS Senior Correspondent and former NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff traveled across America, uncovering powerful stories of division and resilience. Join us at Planet Word on Nov. 18 for her reflections on the roots of these divides — and the steps we can take toward unity. Time for a Q&A will follow Judy’s talk. ??? Tickets $15. Reserve your seat now: https://lnkd.in/ecZnqc9k

In honor of #WorldKindnessDay, we’re sharing some of the visitor entries from our Words Matter gallery! These responses are a reminder to all to use words thoughtfully and kindly. #WordsMatter

What does a rodeo bull rider have in common with late Congressman John Lewis? Actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith has traveled the country talking to and recording people, listening to the way they talk and express themselves, and then channeling their voices in her craft. In the story she shared for our Words Matter gallery, she embodies bull rider Brent Williams and Congressman Lewis, speaking the words of two very different people with a surprisingly similar message about determination and grit. Anna’s is one of four new stories recently added to the gallery, located on Planet Word’s first floor. Her skillful, thought-provoking performance will make you think about what perseverance means to you. Don’t miss it!

Can AI help write the next chapter in human history? Join Planet Word on Nov. 22 for an inspiring discussion between former Microsoft CTO Craig Mundie and New York Times’ Thomas L. Friedman. Discover insights from Mundie’s newly released co-authored book, Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit, and get your copy signed. Secure your seat now — admission is free! https://lnkd.in/euEsqUch

A B C D E F G… Seasoned storyteller and Moth Slam winner Nestor Gomez is used to telling personal stories in front of huge crowds, but during a visit to a school, he came up against his toughest audience yet: a class of excited kindergarteners. He had trouble getting through to them, until they started singing the ABCs. First in English, then in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Chinese. Nestor’s heartwarming retelling of his multilingual kindergarten encounter is one of four new stories that recently debuted in our Words Matter gallery. It’s a testament to the power of embracing and honoring linguistic diversity in classrooms and beyond. Find Nestor and hear about it from him when you visit Planet Word!

As a trusted voice in American broadcast journalism, PBS Senior Correspondent and former NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff has spent decades shaping the national conversation. Now, she’s bringing her powerful insights to Planet Word for the inaugural Patty Isacson Sabee Lecture on Nov. 18! Hear Judy reflect on the role of media in bridging divides and shaping a stronger democracy. ?? Join us for a Q&A after this inspiring event! ??? Tickets $15. Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/ecZnqc9k

What’s it like to lose your first language? Writer Jenny Liao grew up speaking Cantonese with her immigrant parents. It was her first language, and the only language she spoke at home. But as she got older, pressures of school, assimilation, and her English-speaking classmates accumulated. Her Cantonese began to slip away. One of four new additions to our Words Matter gallery, Jenny’s story is one of intergenerational relationships, language loss and, ultimately, reclamation — not only of Cantonese, but of her bond with her parents. Pull up a seat and listen to her beautifully told story the next time you’re at Planet Word.

After a long election season, unwind with us at Planet Word with an evening of wordy fun! You can explore the museum, embark on a special Wordplay Wednesday scavenger hunt, and enjoy refreshments from our on-site restaurant Immigrant Food. Whether you need to belt out “Let It Go” in the karaoke room, get lost in a brain-tickling puzzle in Lexicon Lane, or indulge in a soothing moment in the Poetry Nook, we’ll be open from 5-8 p.m. for all your post-election decompression needs. Get tickets: https://lnkd.in/endc4sgH

?? Use your vote — and your voice — to make a difference this Election Day! #GetOutTheVote? Not sure where to go to vote? Check your polling location here: https://lnkd.in/gyBYNH_z

“What’s Up? I Can’t Read.” That’s how motivational speaker and literacy advocate Oliver James started the TikTok post that changed his life. Left behind by the school system, James did not learn how to read as a child. He got by without this critical skill until he was in his 30s, when he decided to teach himself how to read. He has shared his difficult, inspiring journey on social media — and now, with visitors to Planet Word. James is one of four new storytellers who recently debuted in our Words Matter gallery. Pull up a seat and find out how literacy, something many of us take for granted, has transformed James’s life.