On June 1, Anton Liagusha, a historian and director of the KSE Master’s Program in Memory Studies and Public History, gave a lecture entitled “Memory as a Basic Value” at Cheka Fest in Lviv. During his speech, he shared his thoughts on how memory shapes us as individuals, society, and a nation.
This conversation was an act of gratitude and a continuation of the common cause of the importance of memory, which was actively supported by the now deceased heroine Iryna Tsybukh, a media personality, combat medic, founder of the “Vshanui” initiative, and one of those named after the Kyiv School of Economics memorial scholarship. After Iryna’s death, her work has been continued by numerous friends and associates, including the KSE community.
In his speech, Anton Liagusha spoke about the new culture of memory in Ukraine, about memorial values as a model for society, about the importance of memory in the process of shaping us as a nation, about memory that helps Ukrainians to be part of a democratic society with a strong civic identity.
“Memory gives strength in the struggle, memory is a decolonization mechanism, memory is the foundation of democracy, and above all, memory is a duty not to forget this war,” said Anton Liagusha.
Kateryna Datsenko, co-founder of the NGO Vshanui, also joined the conversation. Her words became an important reminder for everyone present:
“Iryna had a great vision in her head, and we can only guess at her plans, but we are implementing everything she talked about. We are carrying these values forward.”
This event is an attempt to answer the question: how to remember in order to build? How to turn memory into a force for action, dignity, and change?
You can also help us preserve Iryna’s memory. Leave your memory of her on the KSE Foundation page or make a donation to extend the scholarship.