Exploring a Dystopian Future: NPR's Ron Elving & Harvard Law's Alan Jenkins Discuss '1/6' Comic Book

Ron Elving

U.S. Capitol Historical Society  May 10, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4CF3FPraJY

Watch our latest webinar with USCHS Trustee and NPR News Senior Editor and Correspondent Ron Elving, who moderated a fascinating discussion with Harvard Law Professor and author Alan Jenkins about his groundbreaking new series, "1/6: The Graphic Novel."Written by Jenkins and New York Times bestselling author Gan Golan and illustrated by veteran comic book artist Will Rosado, "1/6" answers the question: What if the January 6 Insurrection had been successful? 

This graphic novel chillingly demonstrates how strategic disinformation and extremism convinced ordinary Americans to undermine cherished constitutional values and support violent sedition. Inspired by speculative fiction such as 1984, The Handmaid's Tale, The Twilight Zone, and Parable of the Sower, "1/6" explores themes of autocracy, scapegoating, and more, all presented through a captivating, character-driven story.

 By using graphic novels as a medium, "1/6" aims to encourage readers to engage in meaningful discussions about democracy and the need to protect our values. Additionally, "1/6" includes an Education and Action Guide developed by the Western States Center, a nonprofit organization that works with communities and organizations to strengthen democracy. 

Alan Jenkins is a writer, Harvard Law professor, and human rights advocate. He teaches courses on racial justice, strategic communications, and Supreme Court jurisprudence and is a frequent commentator in broadcast and print media. He is also a screenwriter, selected as a Blacklist/Google screenwriting fellow, and named a "2022 Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch" by the International Screenwriters Association. Jenkins's previous positions include President and Co-Founder of the social justice communication lab The Opportunity Agenda, Director of Human Rights at the Ford Foundation, Assistant to the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice, and Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Jenkins holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.A. in Media Studies from the New School for Public Engagement, and a B.A. in Psychology and Social Relations from Harvard College. 

Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News, where he is frequently heard as a news analyst and writes regularly for NPR.org. He currently serves on the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's Board of Trustees. He is also a professorial lecturer and Executive in Residence in the School of Public Affairs at American University, where he has also taught in the School of Communication. In 2016, he was honored with the University Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching in an Adjunct Appointment. He has also taught at George Mason and Georgetown.