Robert Shetterly's Americans Who Tell The Truth

portraits and narratives highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness.

By combining art and other media, AWTT offers resources to inspire a new generation of engaged Americans who will act for the common good, our communities, and the Earth.

View the Galleries
Langston Hughes Portrait by Robert Shetterly
Lewis Lapham Portrait by Robert Shetterly
 

Speaking Truth to Youth

We are excited to announce the launch of our short-video series "Speaking Truth to Youth." AWTT's Director of Education, Connie Carter, is interviewing portrait subjects about influential experiences in their youth and advice for young activists.

Support a doc on Rob Shetterly

Award-winning filmmaker, Richard Kane, is making a documentary about Robert Shetterly and Americans Who Tell the Truth. To learn more got to www.kanelewis.com. 

The Samantha Smith Challenge

Thinking about participating in the Samantha Smith Challenge this year? Guidelines for the 2020/21 will be posted soon. Preview last year's guidelines and resources now. 

 

 

Most Recent Portraits

Our full gallery now includes 250 portraits of American truth-tellers. You can browse the full gallery. Or just begin your exploration by linking to a few of the most recent additions to the series here. 

Also, check out our newest collection of videos: Speaking Truth to Youth.  Some of our inspiring living portrait subjects share their insights on activism.  

EVENTS

  • Using Storytelling for Social Justice

    virtual
    Hosted by Northeast Storytelling

    Saturday, November 14, 2020 3-4:30 p.m. Andy Davis—storyteller and peace activist—will moderatea panel of experts who have successfully used storytelling to shine a light on social justice issues. Panelists will discuss how to make a peaceful, sustainable, compassionate societyirresistiblethrough a mighty stream of stories.

  • AWTT Exhibit at Zumi's in Ipswich, MA

    Ipswich, MA
    -
    Hosted by Zumi's

    Announcement fromZumi's: So honored and excited for this timely 2020 Art Exhibit at Zumi’s. It will be up throughout the month of October- don’t miss it! So much inspiration in this community engagement project featuring the artwork of Robert Shetterly.

  • The BTS Center Summer Arts Series

    Hosted by The BTS Center

    In partnership with Americans Who Tell the Truth, The BTS Center's first online gathering in their 2020 Summer Arts series will feature presentations by visual artist Rob Shetterly and indigenous environmental scientist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer, as well as some music.

  • Americans Who Tell the Truth @ Charlottesville

    Multiple
    -
    Hosted by Americans Who Tell the Truth

    Portraits L-R: John Lewis, Kelsey Juliana, Michelle Alexander, Nicole & Jonas Maines, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, & Diane Wilson A major exhibit of Robert Shetterly’s Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits opened in Charlottesville, Virginia in mid-January 2020.

  • Robert Shetterly: The Role of Education in a Democracy

    Waterville, ME
    Hosted by AWTT

    Thomas College, Waterville, ME Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 3 - 4:30 pm Join artist Robert Shetterly for a community session open to the public. The community session will pose the following question: What is the role of education in a democracy? Robert will ask attendees to create personal quotes in response to their concerns and challenges related to this question.

NEWS

  • Activist for Georgia’s homeless and death-row inmates dies

    Atlanta
    Michael Warren | AP

    ATLANTA — Murphy Davis, a determined advocate for death row inmates and homeless people in Georgia, died on Thursday of complications related to cancer. She was 72. Davis had been in hospice care in Baltimore, where she and her husband, Eduard Loring, lived after leaving Atlanta a few years earlier.

  • It is truly all about respect

    AWTT

    "There is power in unity. When tribal nations are seen as sovereign bodies we can work together toward a better relationship with other governments. When cities and towns celebrate Indigenous People's Day, a foundation of trust and understanding can be created. When we are seen as people and not stereotypes or mascots, we can build on shared humanity.

  • Rest in Power, Kevin Zeese (1955 - 2020)

    Margaret Flowers

    Activist Kevin Zeese's partner Margaret Flowers has writtena short tribute to her late husband, re-published byCommon Dreams. "Kevin fought to bring truth every day.

  • Marian Wright Edelman Steps Down, and a New Generation Takes Over

    New York Times

    Marian Wright Edelman, 81, took to the streets this summer, joining millions of people around the country in protesting police brutality after the killing of George Floyd.

  • Ida B. Wells Honored by Union Station Mosaic

    Washington, D.C.
    BET.com

    Union Station, Washington, D.C. August 24-28, 2020 "Anna Laymon, Women's Suffrage Centennial CommissionExecutive Director, toldCNN, 'What we are able to do with this art installation is that we can show the depths of this movement.