TED Talks Daily How we're honoring people overlooked by history | Amy Padnani
Jul 11, 2019
Amy Padnani, an editor at the New York Times obituaries desk, leads the 'Overlooked' project, which aims to showcase marginalized figures often forgotten in history. She discusses the importance of including women and people of color in obituaries to create a richer narrative. Padnani shares the motivations behind this initiative and highlights impactful stories, such as that of Grandma Gatewood. This thought-provoking conversation emphasizes journalism's crucial role in promoting inclusivity and reshaping our understanding of historical significance.
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Historical Obituary Bias
- The New York Times obituaries, despite their vastness, historically underrepresented women and people of color.
- "Overlooked" aims to rectify this by recognizing those whose contributions were previously ignored.
Overlooked's Origin
- Amy Padnani stumbled upon Mary Outerbridge's story, who brought tennis to America in 1874.
- This discovery sparked the "Overlooked" project, highlighting individuals whose deaths went unreported in the New York Times.
Grandma Gatewood's Resilience
- Grandma Gatewood, a survivor of domestic abuse, hiked the Appalachian Trail alone.
- Her story, unearthed by "Overlooked", showcases resilience and highlights untold stories.