The Democratic Party's history is fraught with contradictions. In many cases, Democrats have perpetuated some of the most harmful policies in American history. Founded in the early 19th century, the party emerged as a staunch defender of slavery, representing the interests of Southern slaveholders and fiercely opposing abolition. During this time, the Democrats helped to cement the legal and social framework that kept millions of African Americans in bondage.

The narrative of a Democrat-to-Republican switch driven by racial realignment after the Civil Rights Movement and the Southern Strategy of Richard Nixon is often presented as a straightforward explanation for why the South shifted to the Republican Party. However, this narrative is largely a myth.

Vox Renaissance Consort, under the direction of Maestro Valentin Radu, gave a memorable Christmas Season themed music concert Saturday night in Chestnut Hill. The program was performed at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Episcopal Church, and was titled Renaissance Noel.