Let’s Rise: Stories of partnership

Welcome to the final installment of LET’S RISE, the PA Humanities statewide video project created in partnership with Emmy-winning filmmaker Kelly Dessoye in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We hope, through these videos shared over the past several months, that you’ve been inspired, encouraged, and warmed by the realization that, as Daniel Egusquiza said, the humanities truly are everywhere. 

In these final two videos, we highlight the importance of partnerships.

As Pennsylvania’s State Librarian, Sue Banks believes not only that libraries are for everyone, but also that they should be constantly evolving. Journalist Lee Stabert believes that storytelling and dialogue can amplify community voices, spark learning, and invite new generations into civic conversation. Through their collaborations with PA Humanities, both have helped demonstrate how partnerships between trusted institutions and creative collaborators can expand access to learning, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for growth across the state.

We invite you to watch and reflect, and join us in ensuring that the humanities remain a vibrant force in Pennsylvania by making your gift today. 

Inside the Partnership Strengthening Pennsylvania Libraries

Sue Banks found a home when she left a life in theater in New York City and began working for libraries. Where else but a library can you go, she said, where someone will sit with you for as long as it takes, help you figure out what you really need, and how to get it? Now Pennsylvania’s State Librarian, Banks has experienced the value of partnering with PA Humanities through Teen Reading Lounge and Youth-Led Humanities, and seeing what happens when you engage young people in something that speaks to them and makes a difference in their lives. 

“Libraries are for everyone. And there’s a spirit of independence and energy in our libraries that have worked with PA Humanities. And they’re so much better because of it. So much better. We don’t have a better partner.” – Sue Banks

Amplifying Everyday Pennsylvanians Together

Longtime journalist Lee Stabert connected with PA Humanities through her work with Keystone Edge, a statewide news site dedicated to telling the stories of people throughout the commonwealth. As the host of the podcast We Are Here, Stabert and PA Humanities spotlighted organizations making their mark on their communities, supported by the Sustaining the Humanities Through the American Rescue Plan funding. Their next cooperative venture, the podcast Re-vision: Conversations about our Constitution, saw them gathering people from across the state to talk about our founding documents and get young people engaged in the issues.

“There are fewer opportunities for the type of communion that happens when you share a story about something happening on this micro level that only matters to a very small amount of people, but it’s still so important.” – Lee Stabert

Your support makes this work possible. LET’s rise together and keep the humanities strong in Pennsylvania, illuminating the strength and beauty of our shared humanity. Please consider a donation today.

And be sure to check out our previous months’ themes:

Let’s Rise: Stories of Youth Engagement and Education

Let’s Rise: Stories of Connecting through Culture

Let’s Rise: Stories of Pennsylvania History

Let’s Rise: Stories of Community