Coffeeshop Talk: Why Do We Care About Memorials?

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation over coffee, tea, and snacks as Drs. Rob Willingham and Jesse Bucher explore the meaning and purpose of memorials in our shared spaces. Why do we build them? What stories do they tell—or leave untold? And how do the monuments on our own campus shape the way we remember, reflect, and reckon with history?

This discussion will delve into the emotional, cultural, and political weight of memorials, with a special focus on the ones we pass by every day at Roanoke. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious student, or someone who’s ever paused at a statue and wondered “why here?”, this is your chance to engage in a lively conversation about memory, meaning, and place.

Sponsored by the Center for Civic and Religious Pluralism.