2026 Great Decisions Series 1
This program is part of our Great Decisions Series, a partnered project with the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan to bring thought-provoking speakers on world affairs to West Michigan in February & March each year.
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Emily Feng, NPR International Correspondent.
In today’s China, questions of identity are no longer private. They are political, enforced, and deeply personal. This talk explores contemporary China through lived experience, drawing on NPR correspondent Emily Feng’s reporting and her new book on identity and belonging under Xi Jinping. Blending analysis with vivid personal stories, it examines how politics and ideology shape everyday life for people from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The discussion highlights the tension between China’s social diversity and the state’s increasingly narrow vision of national identity, as well as how individuals navigate pressure to conform. It also addresses the challenges of reporting from inside China today and explains why human-centered narratives are essential for understanding the country beyond headlines and geopolitics. Join us for an intriguing discussion on the role of identity in political conformity and resistance in China today.
A reception for this event will take place from 5:15 – 6pm. Join us and meet other community members interested in the world.
About the Great Decisions Series
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. This year’s Great Decisions series with World Affairs Council West Michigan reflects our country’s long history in global affairs and the current events that shape our continued engagement with the world. To join in other America250 initiatives, visit: https://america250.org/
Details on Attending
Where
Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
When
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Program: 6:00 p.m.
Registration
The event is free and open to the public and registration and/or tickets are not required to attend in person.
Videos will be posted on our YouTube channel, found here.
Program Supporters
In partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids Community College, WGVU and Grand Rapids Community Center, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is proud to bring the Great Decisions Series to Grand Rapids.
