Roundtable: #USIH2020 Reflects

Benjamin E. Park (Sam Houston State University): At first, I was skeptical of a year-long, weekly symposia, both in terms of the work it would require as well as the audience it would draw. But I was quickly, and happily, proven wrong, as Monday nights became my favorite staple of every week. The panels managed to keep the field of intellectual history, with its many diverse viewpoints and approaches, constantly at the front of my mind, which in turn made me constantly reconsider its parameters and uses.

I also assigned students in my graduate seminar on intellectual history to attend meetings and bring insights into our course discussions. Coming out of the year, I am all the most convinced that the field of US intellectual history is 1) more vibrant than ever before, 2) encompasses a broader range of voices and topics than typically assumed, and 3) as welcome as any academic community I know. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BenjaminEPark

Adam X. McNeil (Rutgers University): Academic year 2020-2021 was a wild one. Attempting to focus on academic responsibilities while experiencing the effects of the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, pushed my ability to focus on anything for long durations of time to the absolute limit. Moments of refuge where I could refuel my spiritual tank were not always available.

Which is why helping organize the 2020-2021 S-USIH academic year long conference with the exceptional team of people, led by the illustrious Sara Georgini, was one of the brightest spots of my academic year. From jump, Sara provided intellectual space for my creativity to flourish. She gave me full rein to organize two blog interviews with Derrick Spires and Kellie Carter-Jackson, and a roundtable discussion on the topic: “The Politics of Black Freedom.” Not only did I add incredible new lines onto my CV, I built career-changing relationships with some of my favorite scholars in the game. I am full. I am blessed. Follow Adam on Twitter: @CulturedModesty