Reflecting on 9/11 Through Early CGM Lens: Must-See Exhibit

Like millions of others, September 11, 2001 touched me in ways that are still difficult to describe. Within minutes of hearing about the second plane hitting the World Trade Center, I found myself in the company of dozens of employees glued to the television set watching in horror as this almost unimaginable tragedy unfolded.  That I had been at the top of the World Trade Center's "Windows of the World" only months earlier for a business conference made it all the more strange and shocking...and eerily close to home. Still, it was all so overwhelming and sudden that it almost had a numbing effect. How can anyone possibly absorb such an event, and all the related questions, controversies, finger-pointing, and politics.  It wasn't until several weeks later while on business in New York City that 911 touched my most raw and sensitive emotions and nerves.  While rushing through New York City's Grand Central Station, and I happened upon several kiosks and bulletin boards I will never forget.  Like so many others throughout New York, they were loaded -- nay, bursting -- with notes, letters, cards, and "missing" signs related to 9/11.  There were flowers, poems, and photographs.  There were tributes, obituaries, and prayers.  There were notes to Firefighters, and scribbles of emotion dedicated to the volunteers. Raw heartfelt emotion seemed oooze from every inch of these walls, and a collective narrative of voices, reflecting despair, horror, hope, and even renewal seemd to be speaking.  It was a different form of consumer generated media, but without the marketing or advertising influence, and it was 100% sincere and real. 

Freedom Center 9/11 Exhibit:  Last night, I visited an extraordinary exhibit at Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center that rekindled my memory of those kiosks at Grand Central.   I attended a special commemorative exhibit on 9/11 entitled "September 11, 2001 -- Global Response and Personal Remembrance."  The exhibit was comprehensive and multi-faceted, but what truly moved me -- and compels me to share my thoughts in my blog -- wasn't merely the historical replay of the events on that day, but the written commentary and narratives or oral histories expressed by thousands who were touched by the events of 9/11.  In particular, one room, the "Tanya Hoggard Collection," featured a most extraordinary collection of letters and objects sent from across the globe by schoolchildren to New York City Firehouses.  Hoggard is a Delta flight attendant who volunteered at Ground Zero after Sept. 11.  During this time she started taking photographs and collected nearly three tons of notes, artifacts, cards, and most significantly, letters from children.  You might think of her as a 9/11 librarian and historian wrapped into one extraordinarily commited individual.  When when she spoke during a reception at the exhibit's inaugural exhibition, after initial introductory remarks by Freedom Center CEO John Pepper and Director Spencer Crew, her sincerity and dedication was both moving and motivating at the same time.  It's fitting that the Freedom Center anchored this exhibit to the remarkable contributions of one individual who took the initiative to keep these stories and narratives and expressions of hope alive; fitting because the center revolves around a belief in the "power of one voice" and everyday "heroes."

The Power of Ongoing Narratives:   Part of what so fascinates me about consumer-genenrated media and especially the blogosphere is that it powers and enables an almost endless stream of consumer narratives and oral history.  Indeed, the web has become a giant kiosk of experience, and millions of consumers are putting their stories on the public record for others to read, see, and experience.  This is especially the case around big events, whether it's 9/11 or the Tsunami tragedy or the London terrorist bombings.  The "traditional" media often played second fiddle to the often more compelling and real narratives from "on the spot" consumers.  The rise of CGM2, especially video, has taken the power of individual narratives to the next level.   Last night I was so moved by the exhibit that I felt the need to record and share it with others.  Which I've attempted to do in this very short yet important 2 minute video.   It's just one person's take, but just imagine the power of one voice.   (More photos from event on FlickR.)

Comments

[Nancy Koglmeier]

I too attended the viewing of the 9/11 exhibit at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center last night. The 'lookback', after 5 years, at the horrors and losses of the day was a renewed and powerful reminder that there are those in world who would like to take away personal freedom as we know it -- that democracy and freedom need to be nurtured and protected and cannot be taken for granted. The exhibit also reinforced my enthusiasm for and pride in the infinite positive power of the American human spirit when unleashed -- of our ability to come together to face adversity and rise beyond it through mutual support and service. Beyond this, as I mull over Pete's comments and my experience last night I am brought to my current personal mission - a mission that is totally in line with the Freedom Center philosophy that Pete mentioned regarding the 'power of one voice' and everyday heroes. My mission is to bring a national service program called City Year to Cincinnati. City Year's motto is 'putting idealism to work'. It is a program that brings a diverse group of young people, aged 17 to 24, together for a year of full-time community service, leadership development and civic engagement. The young people work together to solve real problems in their communities, engage volunteers and amke a positive difference in other's lives. It is currently operating in 16 US cities and Johannesburg, South Africa. My son, Chandler, was a City Year core member with City Year Boston during the 04/05 school year, prior to going to college. My daughter, Chelsea, a Senior at Mariemont High School, is exploring doing the same during 07/08. The challenge for Cincinnati is that they must leave our city to do this. Roughly 18 months ago I went through the Freedom Center for the first time. Chandler was in Boston with City Year at the time. Moved by what I had seen and experienced, as I walked out of the Freedom Center I said to myself, "how can we have the Freedom Center here, and not have City Year?" Thus began my mission. It's time, Cincinnati.

[Roseann]

I know of City Year through living in Boston, where it was founded, 15 years ago. Classmates from graduate school were involved in forming this organization and another friend, until recently, served on the board. City Year, an AmeriCorps service organization, is an incredible way for young people to do good and do well concurrently. Specifically, young people are able to spend a year with a diverse group of peers working on inner city projects...not feel good work, but real work that needs to be done and wouldn't get done otherwise. And by diverse, I don't mean from all parts of the country, although this is true. I mean young people of privelege working side-by-side with someone who's only chance of college is with the City Yearscholarship plus a whole lot more where that came from. Suburban kids and street kids. And the process, these young people learn independence plus a whole lot more about themselves and the world around them. Through their participation, they receive a small stipend for living expenses and a scholarship for college. And at the end of the year, they have a lot clearer idea of their priorities and, for most, gain a whole lot from (and contribute more to) their college experience.
In total, CityYear has 17 sites around the country and is currently establishing their first international site in South Africa. Columbus, Ohio has been a City Year city for a number of years. I agree with Nancy...the time is ripe for Cincinnati!