"We are citizens of a country that we still have to create—a just country, a compassionate country, a forgiving country, a multiracial, multi-religious country, a joyful country that cares about its children and about its elders, that cares about itself and about the world, that cares about what the earth needs as well as what individual people need." —Vincent Harding
Is America Possible? is a project of moral imagination and democratic revival. It is a call to remember the stories and the courage of the movements to expand American democracy.
From April 4th through July 4th, 2026, I’m inviting Americans of all backgrounds to rediscover each other, imagine the country they want, and commit acts of moral imagination by gathering in remembrance, considering and expressing who we will be to each other, and recommitting ourselves to achieving a democracy that “never yet has been.” Through writings, gatherings, and a storytelling workshop tour, the project will prepare individuals and communities to have conversations across our political, social, and cultural divides.
Is America Possible? is the title of an essay published by Vincent Harding in 2007. I had the honor of accompanying and learning from Dr. Harding the four last years of his life. Using his essay’s title for this project reflects my commitment to a vision for a country we have yet to achieve. You can read Vincent Harding's essay through On Being's website and listen to him in conversation with Krista Tippett in 2011.
The Is America Possible? project is a creation of Lucas Johnson in partnership with Union Theological Seminary and in collaboration with Transformative Change.