Creating Justice in a Multiracial Democracy

Defending American Democracy: Courage, Truth and the Future of the American Republic A one-day symposium commemorates and discusses the legacy and impact of the Kerner Commission Report, sixty years after its release. Presented by the Office of the President on behalf of Dr. David K. Wilson, and in partnership with the Milton Eisenhower Foundation, the day-long event is scheduled for October 29th in the MFAC Gilliam Concert Hall, followed by a reception. This symposium convenes scholars, civic leaders, students, policymakers, and community advocates to examine the state of American democracy through the historical lens of the 1968 Kerner Commission Report while considering contemporary challenges to democratic institutions, civil rights, voting access, and civic engagement. Participants will explore strategies for strengthening democracy through courageous leadership, truthful public discourse, and renewed civic responsibility. Join President Wilson, alongside University administrators and faculty, in welcoming nationally recognized scholars and thought leaders to Morgan to explore the report's enduring relevance to Black America and strategies for strengthening the nation's multiracial democracy. Thursday, October 29, 2026 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, Gilliam Concert Hall Students, staff, faculty and the community are invited. Registration is required on or before Friday, October 23, 2026. REGISTER ONLINE: https://forms.gle/jhZr1i53SweNP3WB9 SYMPOSIUM ITINERARY ________________________________________________ Opening Address Dr. Alan Curtis President The Eisenhower Foundation Topic: The Kerner Report at Nearly Six Decades: America's Unfinished Democratic Promise ________________________________________________ Setting the Context: A Conversation between Dr. David K. Wilson and Dr. Sherrilyn Ifill Dr. David K. Wilson President Morgan State University Dr. Sherrilyn Ifill Founding Director, 14th Amendment Center for Law