Exploring the Ideas Shaping America

Through public programs and expert panels, Our American Roots brings nationally recognized speakers to Oak Ridge

to encourage thoughtful conversation about

America's history and its continuing impact today.

In honor of the Nation's 250th anniversary

Our American Roots 2026

will be presenting programs to encourage discovery and discussion....

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Our American Roots 2026,

The 4th Season - Program 4

"What's Next, America: A Hopeful Question"

Monday, May 11, 2026

Location: Historic Grove Theater

123 Randolph Rd, Oak Ridge, TN

Doors open at 5:30 pm, presentation at 6 pm

The FREE program is followed by a

Periodic Tables dinner and discussion (reservations and required for the dinner)

The initiative will provide tools and resources for Americans to address a challenge or build on an opportunity in their neighborhoods, communities, classrooms, and beyond. Through deliberative discussion guides, talk‐to‐action trainings, and a nationwide story‐gathering effort, America’s Next 250 will elevate local problem‐solving, connect civic actors, and answer the hopeful question: “What’s Next, America?”

Many Americans believe that the time is right for conversations

that bring people together who might not normally talk and work

together, conversations that will encourage fresh,

innovative thinking and actions to emerge.

What’s Next, America? Is designed to do just that—

connect people who are already working to develop strong

communities while bringing new people and

new ideas into the mix.

The goal: to provide ways for people to talk and act to

improve lives in answer to the hopeful question

“What’s Next, America?”

Click Here to Register

Moderator

David Allred

David is the lead pastor of High Places Community Church in Oak Ridge. He received his BA in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. David established “Friends of the Grove” in 2014, a non-profit group devoted to rescuing the historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge, Tennessee from demolition for the purpose of serving Arts organizations in Oak Ridge. David’s free time is spent fishing, reading, and writing. He is married to Dr. Tracy Allred of the Center for Wellbeing in Oak Ridge and they have two wonderful children at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville.