The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) at Arizona State University is introducing the Pursuits of Education and Excellence Symposium as part of an ongoing initiative to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that many hoped would transform American education for the better. The Brown v. Board of Education decision declared that racially segregated schools were unconstitutional, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights. The impact of that historic court decision continues to reverberate in communities and schools to this day.
To take a deeper look into this impact, join CSRD on Sept. 26–27 for a two-day program that examines Arizona’s histories of education and policy, community advocacy and legal pursuits of educational justice. This event, beginning with a film screening that Thursday and culminating in a symposium that Friday, will feature a morning keynote address by Cheryl Brown Henderson — daughter of the Brown family of Topeka, Kansas — and panels that focus on the impact of Brown v. Board in Phoenix and in Tucson.
The closing keynote address will be delivered by Leslie Fenwick, dean emerita of the Howard University School of Education and author of "Jim Crow's Pink Slip: The Untold Story of Black Principal and Teacher Leadership."
"The Brown v. Board of Education case is not just a historical landmark; it is a living legacy that continues to shape our educational system and our society as a whole," said CSRD Director Lois Brown. "This symposium offers a vital opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, the challenges that remain and the future we envision for equal education."
The symposium is free and open to the public.
Symposium schedule
Thursday, Sept. 26
4–6 p.m. — Film screening of "My Name Is Pauli Murray."
Location: ASU Memorial Union, La Paz 242, 301 E. Orange Street, Tempe, Arizona.
This Peabody Award-winning documentary follows the life of Pauli Murray, a pioneering lawyer and activist who was instrumental in arguing the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment that outlawed discrimination based on sex.
Friday, Sept. 27
9 a.m.–5 p.m. — Pursuits of Education and Excellence Symposium.
Location: ASU Memorial Union, Ventana C Room.
The symposium will feature a keynote address by Cheryl Brown Henderson, who brings a unique perspective as a member of the Brown family. The event will also include contributions from alumni and descendants of Arizona’s segregated schools, providing a rich narrative of personal experiences and historical insights. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a CSRD exhibition that chronicles and examines the histories of educational equality and inequality in Arizona over the decades.
This event underscores the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy's dedication to inspiring participants to engage deeply in civic engagement and actively contribute to the ongoing discourse on race and democracy.
Registration information can be found here. You may also email csrd@asu.edu or call at 602-496-1376.
About the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy
The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University facilitates powerful and informed dialogues and transformative scholarship about issues related to race and democracy. The center’s programming and outreach efforts contribute to ASU’s commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. Its programs feature accomplished and innovative leaders in diverse fields who engage and inspire audiences through lectures, workshops and collaborations.
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