Lincoln's Legacy shares motivational stories to inspire the hopes and dreams of children and young adults in America today.
This oral history project, sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group, explores how the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, both major achievements of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, helped secure the freedom and opportunity that Americans enjoy today.
We recorded interviews with influential people to help make the connection between the history of freedom, opportunity and equality in America — and the promise that Lincoln's Legacy still holds today.
We want to motivate young people with powerful words and inspirational stories. We’ve also developed an educational curriculum around these stories and plan to distribute it for free to schools and community centers across the country.
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Civil Rights Andrew Young reflects on the continued struggle for civil rights, beginning with the actions of President Lincoln.
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Human Rights Annette Lantos, holocaust survivor and chairman of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, discusses her experience in Hungary with granddaughter Sunday Swett.
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Civil Rights Dr. Bernard Watson, the chairman of the board of trustees of the Barnes Foundation, reflects on growing up during segregation.
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Patriotism Former U.S. Marines and brothers Chuck, Dan and Ish Boyle reflect on their parents' sacrifices and the opportunities it has allowed them.
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Inspiration Former NFL safety Brian Dawkins shares the significance of Abraham Lincoln's legacy, and how it enabled him to achieve success.
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Inspiration Dikembe Mutombo reflects on the challenges of growing up in a Congolese society with little opportunities, and how his move to the U.S. changed his life.
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Inspiration Former President and CEO of Campbell Soup Doug Conant explains the power of a “How can I help you?” attitude in life and in business.
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Arts and Culture Former Chiquita Brands International Chairman and CEO Fernando Aguirre shares the adversity and advantages of being bicultural in business and society today.
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Patriotism Filomena Desimone, who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy during wartime as a teenager, discusses the opportunities her children have had growing up in America.
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Civil Rights Dr. Franklin McCain, one of the Greensboro Four, passed away on January 9, 2014. He shares his oral history as part of our Lincoln’s Legacy Initiative.
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Civil Rights Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr., Chancellor at NC A&T State University, reflects on racial inequality and the freedoms we’re still fighting for today.
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Human Rights Rabbi Harry Sky shares his inspiring encounters with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his experiences with concentration camp survivors.
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Civil Rights Justice Henry Frye, the first African American on the Supreme Court of North Carolina, shares how civil rights progress was achieved both inside and outside of the courtroom.
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Patriotism Isaiah Tidwell discusses Lincoln's impact on society, and what he wants his granddaughter to know about freedom and opportunity.
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Inspiration NFL retiree Jack Brewer reflects on the tension and inequality he encountered playing high school football and how it motivated him to succeed as a safety in the NFL.
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Inspiration Civil Rights Activist Julian Bond shares his experiences defending civil equality and attending classes led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Human Rights New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte discusses the impact Lincoln has had on her children, her career and women's rights.
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Inspiration Former NHL goaltender, Mike Richter reflects on how the values of freedom and opportunity have played a major role in sports.
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Inspiration Patrick Burke, the director of player safety for the NHL, believes working hard can leave a positive legacy for the next generation.
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Inspiration Rashard Jones, project director of the African American Male Mentoring Program, shares the importance of mentorship with one of his mentees.
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Inspiration Scott O’Neil, CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, reveals on how education enabled him to turn a challenging childhood into a successful future.
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Inspiration Shirley Frye, an elementary school teacher and higher education leader, reflects on her career as a young woman in Greensboro, N.C.
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Inspiration Dr. Trini Urtuzuastegui Melcher shares her journey from the 11th child of immigrant parents to becoming the first Hispanic woman to earn a PhD in accounting.
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