Creating Justice in a Multiracial Democracy

Creating Justice in a Multiracial Democracy is a free, day-long symposium examining the legacy of the 1968 Kerner Commission Report and its relevance to the future of American democracy. The event will bring together scholars, civic leaders, students, policymakers, and community advocates to discuss democratic institutions, civil rights, voting access, civic engagement, truthful public discourse, and strategies for strengthening a multiracial democracy.

Presented by Morgan State University’s Office of the President on behalf of President David K. Wilson, in partnership with the Milton Eisenhower Foundation, the symposium is titled “Defending American Democracy: Courage, Truth and the Future of the American Republic.” It will conclude with a reception. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited.

When: Thursday, October 29, 2026

Showtimes: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a reception follows the symposium.

Venue: Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, Gilliam Concert Hall, Morgan State University

Address: 2201 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218

Tickets: Free

Registration: Registration is required by Friday, October 23, 2026. Online registration is available at https://forms.gle/jhZr1i53SweNP3WB9.

Opening Address: Dr. Alan Curtis, president of the Eisenhower Foundation, will discuss “The Kerner Report at Nearly Six Decades: America’s Unfinished Democratic Promise.”

Conversation: President David K. Wilson will speak with Dr. Sherrilyn Ifill, founding director of the 14th Amendment Center for Law and Democracy and a faculty member at Howard University Law School, about the historical and contemporary context of the Kerner Report.

Panel—The Kerner Report and the State of American Democracy: The panel is moderated by Professor ER Shipp? and features Dr. Darryl Scott, chair of Morgan State’s History Department; Dr. Tamelyn Tucker-Worg of Morgan State’s Political Science and Economics department; and artist and activist Eric Gottesman.

Fireside Conversation: President David K. Wilson and Dr. Alan Curtis will discuss lessons from the Kerner Commission Report with Ms. Heather McGhee.

Panel—Truth-Telling in an Age of Division: Panelists include Dr. Martha Jones of Johns Hopkins University; Dr. Karsona “Kaye” Whitehead of Loyola Maryland University; Rev. Jeremy Rutledge; and Dr. Lawrence Brown, a researcher with the Center for Urban Health Equity.

Audience: Alumni, community members, faculty, staff, and students.

Event Type: Lectures and presentations

Topic: Political

Accessibility: The page provides no specific accessibility information.

Contact: Dr. Patricia Dockery, patricia.dockery@morgan.edu, 443-885-3976

Presented By: Morgan State University’s Office of the President, in partnership with the Milton Eisenhower Foundation.