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Historians/History
2/23/20

A Farewell From Editor Kyla Sommers and A Welcome to Michan Connor

by Kyla Sommers

Kyla Sommers is the outgoing editor-in-chief of the History News Network. 

Hello History News Network!

I write to inform you of an excting transition at the History News Network. After a wonderful 14 months as HNN's editor-in-chief, I am moving on to work on converting my dissertation ("'I Believe in the City:' The Black Freedom Struggle and The 1968 Civil Disturbances in Washington, D.C.") into a book. 

It has been a true pleasure to work with so many authors, receive feedback from HNN readers, and promote the ways historians engage the public. The History News Network is an incredible resource for historians and the public alike. It was an honor to lead this vital forum. 

The George Washington University History Department and I have hired an excellent new editor-in-chief with a background in history and editing. Michan Connor earned his PhD in American Studies from the University of Southern California. His research and published works address American urban and suburban history, urban theory, post-World War II history, and race and ethnicity in America. He's looking forward to publishing contributions from historians in all fields and preserving and developing HNN's position as the place where historians address the public and the public learns about history.

As was the case with the transition from founder Rick Shenkman to myself, the contact information and submission process for HNN will remain unchanged.

Over a year ago, I wrote an article introducing myself to HNN's readership. In that article, I shared my passion for HNN's mission and wrote, "Historians, I believe, are not isolated in the ivory tower; historians craft arguments that seek to answer difficult questions that affect humanity." Today, the number of difficult questions facing humanity is daunting. Which presidential candidate in this year's election will best lead the United States forward? How do we safeguard human rights in a country and world that increasing devalues them? How can we ensure democracy does not fall prey to the rise of authoritarianism across the globe? 

Working with so many historians during my time at the History News Network has helped me understand these issues within broader historical contexts. I am more convinced than ever of HNN's founding principle: learning history is essential if the public is to better understand the present and tackle today's problems. I look forward to witnessing how HNN will continue this mission in the future.

Thank you for your support and encouragement the past year.