This will be the culminating event for the statewide tour of Revolutionary Maryland, which discusses the importance of a free press to American democracy.
(Annapolis, MD) – The Maryland Two Fifty Commission is thrilled to present “Speaking Truth to Power: The Free Press in a Changing World” on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, MD from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. This event will be a special evening of programming and community dialogue about the state of journalism and a free press in the United States.
Freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, is essential for the functioning of a healthy American democracy by ensuring an informed and engaged citizenry. This community event comes at a crucial point in time, as the current rise in hate speech, disinformation, and deadly attacks against journalists threatens freedom of the press on a global level. Examination of the history and role of a free press today is more important than ever before as the nation commemorates 250 years of American democracy in 2026.
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to see the Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now traveling exhibition, learn about living history interpretation, discover archaeology that supported the research for this exhibition, and participate in hands-on activities.
At 7:00 p.m., the evening will feature a keynote presentation and panel discussion examining who qualifies as the press, public trust in media and journalism, and what the future of a free press looks like in America. “Speaking Truth to Power” brings together a deeply experienced group of journalists to offer insight into this fundamental cornerstone of American democracy.
Our keynote and moderator for this conversation will be Terry Moran, an American independent journalist and former ABC News anchor and correspondent. Throughout his distinguished career at ABC, Moran served as Senior National Correspondent, Chief Foreign Correspondent, co-anchor of Nightline, and Chief White House Correspondent, spending decades reporting from the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court, national campaign trails, and global frontlines. He is the founder of Real Patriotism, an independent media platform where he explores the stories, struggles, and soul of American democracy during a time when truth itself is clouded with uncertainty. He also hosts the Real Patriot podcast on YouTube.
Our distinguished panelists for the evening will include Ian Cameron, Dr. Yanik Lamb, and Lisa Stark.
Ian Cameron has more than thirty years of broadcast journalism experience, including twenty in senior news management at ABC News and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. At ABC News, he was Executive Producer of This Week and Washington Senior Producer for World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, where he was part of the Peabody Award-winning team covering 9/11. At the CBC, he was Washington bureau chief, foreign editor of The National, and a producer on The Journal, covering Tiananmen, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of apartheid.
Yanick Rice Lamb, Ph.D. is a tenured professor in the Department of Media, Journalism and Film in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University. Her mission is to give voice to the voiceless and share the gift of knowledge through the written word. An award-winning journalist, she teaches reporting, editing, fact-checking, health and science writing, and media entrepreneurship. She is also adviser to 101 Magazine, TruthBeTold.news, Cover 2 Cover, and the Howard University News Service.
Lisa Stark was an award-winning network news correspondent who reported for ABC News, Al Jazeera America, and the PBS NewsHour. She won two Emmys, a Peabody award, and a DuPont award for her work. As American University’s Assistant Vice President for Communications & Media, she handled media outreach and crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stark now runs her own communications company offering media training and moderating and emceeing services.
For the past year, Stark and Cameron have organized veteran journalists to speak out in defense of the First Amendment and freedom of the press. Their efforts have earned widespread news coverage and helped start a dialogue about defending freedom of the press at a time of unprecedented assaults.
This evening will serve as the culminating event for the statewide tour of the Revolutionary Maryland traveling exhibition. As the nation commemorates 250 years of American democracy in 2026, this event seeks to encourage all citizens to think critically about the role of a free press to self-government in democracy.
Registration for this event is free but required. Click here to register to attend.
Learn more about the Revolutionary Maryland traveling exhibition on Maryland Humanities’ website. For more information about this event, contact Mary Zell Galen, Programs and Partnerships Specialist, Maryland Two Fifty Commission at maryzell.galen@maryland.gov or Robert Forloney, Program Officer, Partnerships, Maryland Humanities at rforloney@mdhumanities.org or (410) 463-2293.
Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now is a partnership between Maryland Humanities; the Maryland Historical Trust; Historic Annapolis; Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum; Afro Charities; the Tiny News Collective; and local partners. Major funding for the project was provided by the Maryland Two Fifty Commission.
About the Maryland Two Fifty Commission
The Maryland Two Fifty Commission is charged by Executive Order of Governor Wes Moore with encouraging, planning, and executing an inclusive statewide yearlong commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence based on the themes of history, civics, and service. Connect with the Maryland Two Fifty Commission on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Maryland Humanities
Maryland Humanities creates and supports bold experiences that explore and elevate our shared stories to connect people, enhance lives, and enrich communities. Maryland Humanities is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Maryland, the Citizens of Baltimore County, private foundations, corporations, small businesses, and individual donors. Connect with Maryland Humanities on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube.