Manhattan Lectures & Conversations

The Second Amendment is one of the most debated—and often misunderstood—parts of the U.S. Constitution. What was its original purpose? Who does it protect? How have the courts interpreted it over time, and what questions remain unresolved today?

In this session, we'll take a nonpartisan, evidence-based approach to examining the history, text, and modern legal interpretation of the Second Amendment. We'll explore
questions such as:

• What did the framers intend when they wrote the amendment?
• Does the right belong to individuals, militias, or both?
• What have the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, said about its meaning?
• How have gun laws evolved throughout American history?

We'll also discuss one of the most challenging questions in modern public policy: Are there "common sense" gun regulations that people across the political spectrum can support? We'll examine proposals from multiple perspectives, considering both public safety and constitutional rights while distinguishing evidence from opinion.

We'll conclude with Garrett's practical perspective: while reasonable people may disagree about many aspects of gun policy, expanding access to effective mental health care for those who need it may be one area where meaningful progress can reduce suffering regardless of where someone stands on the gun control debate.

As always, our goal is not to tell anyone what to think, but to provide the historical context, legal framework, and factual information needed for each participant to reach their own well-informed conclusions. Respectful disagreement is welcome, and curiosity is encouraged.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Description:
Few topics generate more disagreement than the definition of racism itself.

Many ethnic studies scholars define racism as "prejudice plus power," arguing that racism requires both personal prejudice and systemic or institutional power. Under this framework, individuals who lack institutional power may be prejudiced, but they are not considered racist.

Others argue that racism simply means treating people unfairly because of their race, regardless of who is doing it. They contend that limiting the term to certain groups creates a double standard, undermines fairness, and may itself contribute to greater racial division.

Which definition is more accurate? Which is more useful? And how should society decide when respected experts disagree?

Join us for a thoughtful, civil fireside chat as host Garrett Lang and special guest Simone Samuels examine both perspectives, explore the evidence and reasoning behind each, and invite audience questions in an open Q&A.

This conversation is not about telling you what to think—it's about practicing the critical thinking needed to evaluate competing ideas for yourself. Whether you strongly favor one definition or are still undecided, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of one of today's most important and controversial debates.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Description:
Making new friends as an adult can be surprisingly difficult—but it doesn't have to be.

This interactive workshop is designed to help you meet like-minded people in a relaxed, structured, and fun environment.

The event has two parts:

Part 1: You'll answer a series of questions about yourself, your interests, the kinds of friendships you're looking for, and how you enjoy spending your time. This helps everyone start conversations that go beyond small talk.

Part 2: You'll participate in a series of speed friending rounds, meeting three new people every 15 minutes. Along the way, you'll use simple software to take notes about the people you meet and set reminders to reconnect with those you'd like to get to know better. Building meaningful friendships often takes multiple interactions, and the software helps you remember who you'd like to follow up with.

Whether you're new to the area, looking to expand your social circle, or simply enjoy meeting interesting people, this workshop offers a welcoming environment to make genuine connections.

Come meet new people, discover shared interests, and take the first step toward friendships that could last for years.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:

Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.

I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses.

Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.