50th Anniversary of Landmark Case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) Symposium

May 17, 2004 marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. This decision not only overturned the doctrine of separate but equal in the nation’s schools, but ignited the Civil Rights movement for racial equality throughout our society. Brown and the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which celebrates its Fortieth Anniversary in 2004, issued the clarion call for changes in race relations in America. The importance of these milestone in the continuing struggle for racial and social equality inspires this week of commemoration, analysis and commitment to the ideals and hopes they embodied. It also attempts to measure the progress that has followed these two memorable achievements.

Monday, April 19, 2004 at 12:15 p.m.
McDowell Center of Law Room 151

Multimedia Event:
“One Hard Nut to Crack”

McDowell Professor of Law Wilson Huhn.

A multimedia presentation of excerpts from historical speeches, photographs and music, that traces the great American conflict over race, equality and the meaning of both.

Monday, April 19, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.
Bulger Hall - Bulger Down under

Residence Hall Discussion:

“Simple Justice”

A facilitated discussion based on clips shown from “Simple Justice”, the impact of Brown v. Board, its historical legacy and its current impact on education and American Society.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Paul Martin University Center
South Ballroom

Community Leader Forum:

“Living Through Brown”

A forum with panelists from Northeastern Ohio who will discuss the myths and realities of the impact of Brown based on lived experience. Hot hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Free, ticket required. You can obtain a ticket from the Dean’s Office of the School of Law, Office of Multicultural Development in Buckingham 115 and the Office of Student Affairs in Zook 207.

Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 3 - 5:00 p.m.
McDowell Center of Law Room 151

Papers and Presentations:

Faculty and Graduate Student Papers

A showcase of scholarly papers prepared by University of Akron faculty and graduate students from various colleges across campus on the impact/significance of the Brown case upon education in this country.

Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Student Union Theatre

Capstone Event:

Justice Alan Page Lecture

Alan C. Page is Minnesota’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice. He earned a BA degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame and a JD degree from the University of Minnesota. He also has received three honorary degrees.

Known as one of the famed “Purple People Eaters,” the Minnesota Vikings’ fierce defensive unit of the ‘70s, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

When Justice Page retired from the game in 1981, he went to work for a Minnesota law firm before being appointed special assistant attorney general in Minnesota. In 1987, he became assistant attorney general, and in 1993, he became associate justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Alan Page is a compelling speaker and an ardent advocate of equal education for all children. His efforts include creating educational opportunities and mentoring for underprivileged children.

		50th Anniversary of Landmark Case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) Symposium
		Symposium Overview May 17, 2004 marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. This decision not only overturned the doctrine of separate but equal in the nation’s schools, but ignited the Civil Rights movement for racial equality throughout our society. Brown and the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which celebrates its Fortieth Anniversary in 2004, issued the clarion call for changes in race relations in America. The importance of these milestone in the continuing struggle for racial and social equality inspires this week of commemoration, analysis and commitment to the ideals and hopes they embodied. It also attempts to measure the progress that has followed these two memorable achievements. THIS SYMPOSIUM is co-sponsored by The University of Akron School of Law, Bliss Institute for Applied Politics, College of Education, Department of History, Department of Political Science, Office of Multicultural Development, Pan African Center for Community Studies, and Center for Conflict Management. Scheduled Events Monday, April 19, 2004 at 12:15 p.m. McDowell Center of Law Room 151 Multimedia Event: “One Hard Nut to Crack” McDowell Professor of Law Wilson Huhn. A multimedia presentation of excerpts from historical speeches, photographs and music, that traces the great American conflict over race, equality and the meaning of both. Monday, April 19, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. Bulger Hall - Bulger Down under Residence Hall Discussion: “Simple Justice” A facilitated discussion based on clips shown from “Simple Justice”, the impact of Brown v. Board, its historical legacy and its current impact on education and American Society. Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Paul Martin University Center South Ballroom Community Leader Forum: “Living Through Brown” A forum with panelists from Northeastern Ohio who will discuss the myths and realities of the impact of Brown based on lived experience. Hot hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Free, ticket required. You can obtain a ticket from the Dean’s Office of the School of Law, Office of Multicultural Development in Buckingham 115 and the Office of Student Affairs in Zook 207. Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 3 - 5:00 p.m. McDowell Center of Law Room 151 Papers and Presentations: Faculty and Graduate Student Papers A showcase of scholarly papers prepared by University of Akron faculty and graduate students from various colleges across campus on the impact/significance of the Brown case upon education in this country. Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Student Union Theatre Capstone Event: Justice Alan Page Lecture Alan C. Page is Minnesota’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice. He earned a BA degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame and a JD degree from the University of Minnesota. He also has received three honorary degrees. Known as one of the famed “Purple People Eaters,” the Minnesota Vikings’ fierce defensive unit of the ‘70s, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When Justice Page retired from the game in 1981, he went to work for a Minnesota law firm before being appointed special assistant attorney general in Minnesota. In 1987, he became assistant attorney general, and in 1993, he became associate justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Alan Page is a compelling speaker and an ardent advocate of equal education for all children. His efforts include creating educational opportunities and mentoring for underprivileged children. Register Today Registration form