Boston Bound: Disrupting the Single Story with Professor Lois Ascher Note: Prior to this presentation, please watch the TED talk, The danger of a single story by award winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie In her TED talk, The danger of a single story, award winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discusses the dangers of what she calls a “single story,” a story often composed of stereotypes we have learned since childhood and in which we unconsciously believe. Often, these unconsciously held single stories do as much damage as consciously held racist beliefs. They misrepresent groups, even without the intent to do so. Adichie begins her talk with one of her own single stories, and then broadens her comments to highlight how many of us may unintentionally tell single stories as we attempt to negotiate racial attitudes and relations in America. This talk will focus on some of Boston’s black Americans from the American Revolution, through abolition, and just beyond. It's intent is to alter the single stories we have learned, enlarging our understanding of those whose lives and actions signify the competence and courage present in all people.