“Because Democracy Demands Wisdom”

“Because democracy demands wisdom.”

It is a simple enough premise. But sometimes, concepts that seem startlingly clear are difficult to embrace.  Perhaps, because it seems so obvious that the wisdom necessary for a vibrant democracy should be learned, that we forgot about it.  We forgot to support its teaching.

Seventy-five years ago it was called Civics, then Social Studies, today Humanities. Today, the civic purpose of schools, when invoked at all, is usually as an afterthought, and treated largely as a by-product of the economic imperative to develop 21st century skills said to be essential to the modern workforce. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are enriching in many ways, but a society whose higher education has been narrowed to those subjects is a society headed for trouble.

The programs of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities explore and celebrate the people and places, history and culture of Louisiana through the lens of the humanities.

The Louisiana Governors Series is one such program.  Featuring interviews and panel discussions, the Governors Series has provided illumination into issues and decisions that continue to impact our lives, in some cases, decades later.

The Governors Series was made possible, in large part, due to the generous support of LEH donors.  People like LEH board member Deborah Harkins of New Orleans, who in making her donation wrote, “Access to our shared history is something I feel strongly about, and it is something I want to help make possible across Louisiana.”

Because of state budget cuts, there is no state financial support for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.  The programs that provide insight into the stories of the shared history of Louisiana and its people can happen with the support of private citizens.  Without your support, there will be stories not told, lessons not taught.

And ultimately, we will become a society that cannot flourish.

To support LEH programming email Michael Boyle, Director of Institutional Advancement at b[email protected] or call at 504.620.2482.  To discuss LEH programming, email Brian Boyles, Vice President and Director of Content at b[email protected] or call at 504.620.2632.