Sun, Nov 16
|Premise
What makes us truly free?
"The Black Ball" , a short story by Ralph Ellison On Freedom by Timothy Snyder (Introduction & Sovereignty chapters) ⏱️ Preparation: <1.5 hours
Nov 16, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Premise, 722 N Page St, Portland, OR (the Gotham Building)
We'll send you the reading as soon as you register.
This event is open to participants in the Premise Pods series. If you are interested in learning more about Premise pods or in taking this session at another time, drop a line to Mary @ Mary@premiseinstitute.com.
Session Description: In this session, we explore how personal history and social forces shape our ability to act freely. This session invites an honest, thoughtful look at what makes us truly free, and what stands in the way.
Freedom is a word we use easily, yet it remains one of the most contested and misunderstood ideas in modern life. Is freedom simply the absence of constraint, or does it require structure, agency, imagination, and responsibility? How do history, identity, and the body shape our experience of what it means to be free?
In this session, we explore the personal, social, and philosophical dimensions of freedom through two powerful works:
Timothy Snyder’s On Freedom (Introduction & “Sovereignty”)
Snyder argues that freedom is not something we automatically possess—it is a practice shaped by attention, independent thought, and the choices we make (or fail to make). The Introduction reframes freedom as a deliberate act in a world of distraction and speed, while “Sovereignty” challenges us to examine who truly directs our decisions: ourselves, or the platforms, institutions, and pressures that guide us without our noticing.
Ralph Ellison’s short story “The Black Ball”
Ellison’s story follows a Black janitor in the Jim Crow South navigating the tightly confined spaces available to him while trying to protect his young son’s sense of possibility. Through one day’s encounters—with his employer, a union organizer, and his own child—Ellison reveals how unfreedom operates at the level of language, opportunity, and self-perception. The story asks: How do we exercise agency within systems designed to deny it? What does freedom mean when safety requires silence? And can collective action expand our freedom, or does it simply shift the boundaries?
Together, these works prompt a deeper investigation into how freedom is lived, limited, reclaimed, and shared. We’ll consider:
Is freedom about having many choices, or about having meaningful ones?
How do bodies, histories, and identities shape our access to freedom?
Can we be free while shaped by forces we barely understand?
What does freedom require of us individually—and collectively?
What should I expect at a Premise session?
What are the expectations for preparation?
At Premise, we understand that your time is valuable, so we keep preparation light—typically under 2 hours. Each session revolves around a core text, whether it’s a short story, film, or essay, providing a shared foundation for meaningful conversation. This approach ensures everyone is ready to dive into thoughtful dialogue, creating a richer and more engaging experience. Your preparation means we all have a common starting point for exploring big ideas together.
Do I need to have previous experience with the text or question?
No, not at all! At Premise, we value both beginner eyes and deep experience—each brings something unique to the conversation. Whether you’ve been in many intellectual discussions or this is your first, our sessions are designed to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. You don’t need to be an expert; our structure and guidelines help ensure that both the novice and the seasoned thinker feel welcome and supported. Premise is for anyone curious about life’s big questions.
What is a Premise session like?
A Premise session is a thoughtfully crafted, expertly facilitated conversation using the Premise discussion model. Together, we explore life’s enduring questions through short works of literature, film, or art. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, you’ll join a vibrant, meaningful discussion where the following values are embraced:
Active Participation: Everyone comes prepared to engage thoughtfully.
Listening & Reflection: We prioritize listening and reflection over debate.
Shared Inquiry: Our conversations are driven by curiosity and mutual exploration.
Premise creates a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced thinkers, ensuring every voice is heard in a dialogue that inspires deep learning and connection. Learn more about the participant experience.
Wait! These enduring questions are a bit weighty. Will this actually be enjoyable?
Absolutely! While we tackle life’s big questions, the atmosphere is engaging and enjoyable. At Premise, we believe learning should be joyful, not intimidating. Our expert facilitators guide the conversation in a way that makes deep topics approachable, encouraging curiosity and connection rather than pressure or competition. You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the experience—plus, it’s fun to dive into meaningful discussions with fellow curious minds!
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?
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