Handwriting the U.S. Constitution: Connecting Americans Beyond Political Divides

The Mission: Copying the Constitution

• ✍️ In Brooklyn's Old Stonehouse, individuals gather for a shared mission: to copy the U.S. Constitution by hand, word for word.
• 💡 This practice, initiated in 2017 by artist Morgan O'Hara, is presented as a non-partisan activity focused on engaging with foundational texts.
• 🌍 Dozens of similar sessions have been held globally, copying the Constitution and other human rights documents.

The Significance of the Act

• 🏛️ The event takes place at a historic site, the Battle of Brooklyn, emphasizing the historical context that led to the Constitution's creation.
• 🗣️ Participants are encouraged to read the document for themselves, promoting personal interpretation over reliance on legal experts.
• 🚫 The sessions are intentionally non-political, with no discussions about current events, to foster a sense of unity.

Reflections on Meaning and Power

• 📖 Surveys indicate that a majority of Americans have never read the Constitution, and many cannot name a single guaranteed right.
• ✋ For individuals, the quiet experience of copying is unique, with some noting the physical exertion involved.
• ⚠️ Denise Gray from Los Angeles reflects on the power of words and the importance of upholding constitutional rights consistently across the country.
• 🔗 The act serves as a simple yet powerful way to forge a connection to the country's founding documents.