Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Steven Hahn will address political violence and democracy at a remembrance event for Benjamin Thomas, a Black man lynched in Alexandria 126 years ago.
The Aug. 8 event at Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 1401 Jamieson Ave., will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. The program marks the anniversary of Thomas’ death on Aug. 8, 1899.
Hahn, a New York University history professor, will deliver remarks titled “Political Violence, Racial Terror and the Perpetual Struggle for American Democracy.” His presentation examines the nation’s historical relationship with violence and democratic institutions.
“The Remembrance for Benjamin Thomas is a solemn call to confront our shared history and honor the lives lost to racial terror,” said Gretchen Bulova, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Steven Hahn, whose scholarship challenges us to better understand the ongoing struggle for justice and democracy in America.”
The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project, part of the Office of Historic Alexandria, is hosting the free event open to the entire community.
Thomas was denied due process before his lynching in 1899. The remembrance program aims to honor his memory and examine the historical context of racial violence in America.
Hahn won the Pulitzer Prize for “A Nation Under Our Feet,” a comprehensive history of Black politics before, during, and after the Civil War. He will sign copies of that book and “Illiberal America: A History” following his presentation.
The remembrance project’s July/August newsletter explores modern efforts to suppress education about race and systemic injustice through the lens of Thomas’ lynching.
City Hall and the lamp post at King and South Fairfax streets will be illuminated in purple, the color of mourning, to honor Thomas.
