The Big Story: What Does It Mean to Be an American? | The Atlantic Festival 2025

Video Description

Following a tour of the Tenement Museum, join Atlantic journalists Clint Smith and Xochitl Gonzalez and the Tenement Museum’s president, Annie Polland, for a conversation about immigration, Black history, and what it means to be an American. Through personal stories and historic insight, we’ll explore how immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities—as well as Black Americans—have shaped the nation’s identity. They’ll underscore the urgency of preserving and teaching these American stories that are central to the fabric of our nation. Speakers include: Clint Smith, Staff Writer, The Atlantic Xochitl Gonzalez, Staff Writer, The Atlantic Annie Polland, President, Tenement Museum The Atlantic Festival brings the brand’s essential journalism to life on stage through dynamic conversations, exclusive screenings, and engaging performances. Expect rigorous dialogue with influential voices in politics, culture, business, technology, and media—plus opportunities to connect with other curious, thoughtful attendees. The 2025 lineup includes Scott Galloway, Richard Ayoade with David Letterman, H.R. McMaster, Clara Wu Tsai, Arvind Krishna, Jennifer Doudna, Monica Lewinsky, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Bryan Stevenson, Dr. Becky Kennedy, and many more. Atlantic journalists including Jeffrey Goldberg, Jemele Hill, Vann Newkirk, and Sophie Gilbert will moderate and lead discussions. Explore the full event: https://www.theatlantic.com/theatlanticfestival/