Join us for the University of Pennsylvania Black Law Students Association's 36th Annual Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander Commemorative Conference. This event celebrates Dr. Alexander (L’27) a trailblazer as Penn Law's first Black woman graduate. Since 1988, Penn BLSA has annually commemorated her pioneering spirit, focusing on significant legal issues impacting the Black community and advocating for progressive legal change.
Our theme this year is "The Continued Fight for Equality: 60 Years with the Civil Rights Act of 1964." We'll examine the lasting impact of this pivotal 20th-century legislation, as its core purpose is still under attack nearly 60 years later. The conference features engaging discussions with political activists, scholars, and legal practitioners, dissecting the Act's complexities and its future. We'll also spotlight Dr. Alexander's significant contributions, particularly her involvement in President Truman's Committee on Civil Rights. This will be a hybrid event and Chatham House rules will apply.
For Pennsylvania lawyers, this program offers 3.0 CLE credits (2.0 Substantive and 1.0 Ethics). Other jurisdictions may also recognize these credits. To obtain CLE credit, attendees must register and pay a fee ($120.00 general, $60.00 for public interest/non-profit attorneys) through our online CLE registration. Ensure to note the passcodes provided during the program in your evaluation form to receive the appropriate amount of credit.
Penn Carey Law Alumni receive CLE credits free through The W.P. Carey Foundation’s generous commitment to Lifelong Learning.
CLE Registration Form: https://upenn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0MnnS3u5mvFNQuq
Conference Itinerary
Symposium Information
Panel 1: From Legislation to Litigation: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 in Modern Practice
This panel features leaders from the nation's preeminent legal civil rights organizations, including ReNika Moore of the ACLU, Tona Boyd of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and our very own Damon Hewitt (L'00) of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Moderated by Ben Jealous, President of the Sierra Club and former CEO & President of the NAACP, panelists will discuss how their respective organizations navigated this important legislation through litigation.
Panel 2: Inclusive Visions: Exploring Title VII and Diversity in the Workplace
This panel features corporate attorneys, government officials, and academics, including Counsel Lissette Duran of Paul Weiss, Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal (L'05) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Professor Kevin Woodson of Richmond Law. Moderated by Stephanie Creary, professor at the Wharton School of Business, panelists will discuss the challenges they face and foresee with diversity efforts in the workplace.
Lunch & Learn: Courageous Voices: The Journey to the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This fireside discussion features leading authors on the inception of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including Professor Nell Painter of Princeton University, and Clay Risen, New York Times journalist and author of The Bill of the Century: The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act. They will discuss the behind the scenes efforts of individuals who ensured the Civil Rights Act became a reality for Americans.
Gala Information
The Conference will conclude with a formal gala at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA. A cocktail reception will begin at 6pm with the program to follow at 7pm. Our keynote address will be delivered by Johnathan Smith, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Our alumni awardees are Deuel Ross (L'09), Demetrius Warrick (L'10), and Christina Swarns (L'93).
After-Party: 10:00 PM - 1:30 AM (TBD)
Join us in this impactful commemoration and exploration of civil rights and legal advocacy.
