“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” - the Declaration of Independence 17th Century European Enlightenment Era philosophers and thinkers influenced modern American ideas around democracy. However, ideals around liberty, collective responsibility, stewardship of land, balance with nature, and community care have existed in Indigenous and Native communities long before 1776. The Declaration of Independence is one of three documents that frame the case for democracy in the United States, and the ideas of life, liberty, and democracy have been getting a lot of press these days – but what impact does it actually have on our lives – and who has access to the promises of democracy? Where do I see life, liberty and the pursuit of democracy in my day-to-day? Come visit The Practice of Democracy: We Hold These Truths at the 14th Street Passage on @highlinenyc anow until October 2, 2022 and share your thoughts! Thank you to the team at @designingfordemocracy and our many collaborators and supporters including the #HighLineNetwork, and @trahanarchitects. #practicingdemocracy