About | FIRSTHAND: Democracy
About
The historical marker of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence arrives at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and public trust shifts. Through firsthand accounts, WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY shares the stories of five Chicagoans – at a moment when many Americans have lost faith in government – who are tapping into the power of community-driven work to get back to the basics of democratic action and improve their communities.
Support for Firsthand: Democracy is provided by:
Community Engagement Partners
Braver Angels
Braver Angels of Illinois is working in local communities – holding workshops, debates and public presentations
designed to bridge the polarizing political divide.
Illinois America 250
Illinois America 250 is a statewide effort to bring together Illinoisans’ diverse perspectives about our history –
and our future – to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4,
2026.
Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public
programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and
strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois.
Mikva Challenge
Mikva Challenge develops youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable
society.
Project Credits
Digital and Marketing
Website Design
Justin Henderson
Website Development & Production
Glenn Blicharz
Kevin Crowley
Justin Henderson
Jenny Macchione
Mike Scipioni
Still Photography
Teresa Crawford
Social Media & Promotion
Meredith Francis
Carolyn Grillo
Daniel Hautzinger
Megan Lemersal
Julia Maish
SVP, Marketing & Digital
Anne Gleason
Community Engagement
Vice President of Community Engagement
Tim Russell
Director, Community Engagement
Emily Dehm
Documentaries
Producer
Teresa Crawford
Directors
Teresa Crawford
Latesha Dickerson
Pat Odom
Edgar Vargas
Teresa White
Directors of Photography
Margaret Byrne
Joshua Jackson
Additional Camera
Margaret Byrne
Alex Halstead
Brant Hawkins
Joe Martinez
Alex Morelli
Editors
Lesley Kubistal
Wayne Kumingo
Alanna Schmelter
Katerina Simic
Original Score
Allie n Steve Mullen
Re-Recording Mixer
Mark Bandy
Postproduction Supervisor
Wayne Kumingo
Colorist
Matt Taylor
Graphics
Reed Marvine
Executive Producers
Dan Protess
Anne Gleason
Journalism
Eunice Alpasan
Nick Blumberg
Heather Cherone
Dan Lambert
Matt Masterson
Blair Paddock
Jared Rutecki
Patty Wetli
Discussion Guide
Emily Dehm
Tom Peth
Fran Sterling
