Civil Rights Conference

Civil Rights Conference

Brown v. Board of Education Decision 70th Anniversary

June 24-28, 2024

"I believe the only way to protect my own rights is to protect the rights of others." 
~ President Eisenhower, 5/19/53

The National Archives and Records Administration and the National Park Service are teaming up to host an inspiring civil rights conference. This event not only commemorates the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision but also dives into the broader tapestry of civil rights in America. As President from 1953-1961, Eisenhower served during a time of tremendous change for civil and human rights in America. The Eisenhower Administration passed the first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction and created the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The conference will welcome a host of presenters including historians, civil rights leaders, civil rights attorneys, personal stories from those who lived it, and more.

What to Expect

• Historical Insights: Explore the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education, a pivotal moment that reshaped our nation’s path toward equality.
• Diverse Perspectives: Hear from historians, civil rights leaders, attorneys, and firsthand witnesses who lived through this transformative era.
• Collaborating Partners: We’re proud to partner with institutions like the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, and more.

We welcome anyone who would like to learn more about school desegregation and Brown v. The Board of Topeka Supreme Court decision. A mixture between personal stories, academic presentations, and legal discussions, this conference is for everyone from the generally curious to the academic historian.

• General public: Attendees may attend virtually or in-person with ticket purchase.
• Teachers: Receive in-service credit for attending this conference. Registration is free. Please confirm with your school district that this will satisfy your in-service requirement.

Attendance Options

This is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual components at all sites throughout the week. In-person registrants will also receive the livestream links to participate online.

• All sessions virtual only
• Hybrid with in person attendance at Brown v Board Historic Park/Eisenhower Presidential Library
• Hybrid with in person attendance at Central High School Historic Site/Clinton Presidential Library

Schedule Overview

Session details including livestream options will be posted in the near future. 

Monday, June 24: Setting the Stage
virtual only

• 4 p.m. - Mauro Morales, USCCR Staff Director
  The Legacy of Brown and the creation of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
• 5 p.m. - Shawn Leigh Alexander, University of Kansas Professor
  Civil Rights from the Founding of the Nation to the Brown Decision

Tuesday, June 25: Legal Argument
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, KS

• 10 a.m. - Dr. Micah Kubic, ACLU
  What are Civil Rights?

• 12 p.m. - Jeffery Jackson, J.D.
  What Does Brown v. Board Say?

• 1:30 p.m. - Panel discussion moderated by Joy Murphy
  Reflections of Integration: Telling the Lesser Known Stories

Wednesday, June 26: Brown v. Board Decision In Depth 
Brown v. Board of Education, Topeka, KS

• 10 a.m. - Dr. Valerie Mendoza
  Beyond Brown: Mexican Struggles for Equality Before and After Brown v. Board

• 12 p.m. - Cheryl Brown Henderson, Keynote 

• 6:30 p.m. Panel discussion
  Connecting the Stories

Thursday, June 27: Desegregation Struggles Beyond Little Rock
Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Little Rock, AR

• 10 a.m. - Zoe Burkholder
  Black Teachers Matter: The Impact of Brown v Board of Education on Black Teachers outside of the South
• 12 p.m. - Panel discussion moderated by Jay Barth
  Hoxie School Desegregation
• 1:30 p.m. - David Turk, U.S. Marshals Service
  Role of U.S. Marshals Service in Enforcing Brown v. Board
• 6 p.m. - Panel discussion moderated by Brian Schwieger
  Landmark Cases of Racial Injustice: Scott v. Sanford and Plessy v. Ferguson
   

Friday, June 28: Beyond Brown
virtual only

• 10 a.m. - Dara Byrne, Ph.D.
  The Unfinished Agenda of Brown v. Board