Washington Life - October 2015 02 | Page 42

POLLYWOOD Lynn and Wolf Blitzer Lonnie Bunch, Maria Marable-Bunch, Janet Langhart Cohen and Secretary William S. Cohen WL EXCLUSIVE RARIA DINNER HONORING LONNIE BUNCH Hay-Adams Hotel | PHOTOSBYASHLEEWILCOX William Knowles and Roz White PROTECTINGHISTORY: Race and Reconciliation in America (RARIA), founded by William S. Cohen and Janet Langhart Cohen, hosted an intimate dinner at the Hay-Adams honoring Lonnie Bunch, Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and his efforts to secure financing and support for the Museum on the National Mall; this is the first award of its kind presented by RARIA. In the presence of 65 dignitaries from the Smithsonian, media, philanthropy and corporate worlds, the Cohens applauded the efforts Bunch has made to ensure that the experience people will have at the Museum is one that helps them understand that the history and culture of African Americans in this country is one that impacts everyone. The Cohen’s also spoke of the work RARIA has done to advance the principals of equality and social justice through education and community engagement and how through Janet’s play, “Anne & Emmett” and the development of an interactive, educational game “Anne & Emmett: The Other” RARIA offers historical perspective on issues of intolerance and inequality that can help people better understand the issues facing the country today. Chuck Conconi with Stephanie and Paul Taylor, Fred Hiatt and Pooh Shapiro Denyce Graves and Barbara Harrison Leon and Dawn Harris VIEWALLTHEPHOTOSATWWWWASHINGTONLIFECOM RARIA award presented to Lonnie Bunch 42 Del and Robin Walters Richard Kurin Nick Schmit and Jonathan Capehart WA S H I N G T O N L I F E | O C T O B E R      | washingtonlife.com