Rosemont College students, alumni, and faculty recently participated in the annual Dennis Farm Forum, a thought-provoking event that fosters discussions on racial understanding and historical reflection. This year’s eighth annual Lonaé A. Moore Forum, titled “Fostering Racial Understanding: It Begins with Each of Us,” focused on the Declaration of Independence and its significance for Black Americans over the past 250 years. 

Members of Rosemont’s Black Student Union (BSU) and Alliance for Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) represented the college at the event, engaging in meaningful dialogue alongside scholars, historians, and community leaders. The forum provided a platform for participants to explore the evolving interpretation of the Declaration of Independence and its impact on racial equity in America. 

Panelists included Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, and Martha S. Jones, a cultural-legal historian and the Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor at The Johns Hopkins University. The conversation was moderated by Adrienne G. Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Engagement Beyond the Classroom 

“Engaging in events like The Dennis Farm Forum provides students with a deeper understanding of history and its ongoing impact on society,” said Christine Hagedorn, Chair of the Rosemont Business Department. “These discussions challenge perspectives, encourage critical thinking, and inspire students to become active participants in shaping a more just and inclusive future.” 

The Museum of the American Revolution hosted this year’s forum, reinforcing its commitment to telling historically underrepresented stories of the American experience. Students and faculty from Rosemont appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts and contribute to discussions that challenge perspectives and promote social change. 

Sean Milelli, a member of ALPFA, found the experience valuable. 

“The Dennis Farm Forum was very eye-opening, not only did I learn a lot through the event, but I also felt a little more connected to Philadelphia culture at the Museum of the American Revolution,” said Milelli, a senior with a dual major in Business Management and Marketing and a minor in International Business. “At the event, very knowledgeable speakers talked about fostering racial understanding and exploring a deeper meaning of the Declaration of Independence. It was an honor to be surrounded by such successful people.” 

Oyindamola Akinroluyo, a Rosemont sociology major and member of the Black Student Union who attended the event said:

“I learned there is immense power in storytelling. History needs to be told, and textbooks are not the only way to do so.”   

The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust is dedicated to preserving the historic Dennis Farm, a property in northeastern Pennsylvania that has been owned by the same African American family since the late 1700s. The farm serves as an educational and cultural site, highlighting the contributions of free African Americans in early American history. Through research, historical preservation, and public programs, the Trust fosters discussions on race, history, and social justice while ensuring that this important legacy is recognized and honored. 

Rosemont College remains committed to empowering students through education, dialogue, and active participation in social justice initiatives. Events like The Dennis Farm Forum allow students to engage with history in a profound way, inspiring them to become leaders in shaping a more just future.
 

Photo credit: Christine Hagedorn