Summary of program

November 9 - 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Scourge of Segregation

Panelists will discuss the broad impacts and terrible costs of segregation in modern American life, warping politics, eroding cities, destroying schools, fracturing the workforce, and undermining efforts to provide economic and social justice for workers, families, and communities.

History of Segregation

Panelists will discuss the historical roots of American segregation, including the way in which public policy and political decision making have led to so-called de facto segregation in American cities and schools today.

November 9 - Walter Mondale Reception - 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

At a special event, participants will have the opportunity to join us in celebrating the civil rights contributions of Vice President Walter Mondale, chief author of the Fair Housing Act. A brief program will revisit the origins of the Act and its contributions to the country.

November 10 - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Learning From the Past to Create a Just Future

Panelists will draw on the lessons of Dr. King, Thurgood Marshal and A. Phillip Randolph to better understand the challenges we face today in building and sustaining a powerful broad-based movement. 

The Opportunity Today – Why There is Reason for Hope

Labor, civil rights, local government, and faith leaders will discuss the prospect of a renewed, reinvigorated, and powerful Civil Rights movement.  What would it take? What would it look like. And why and how is it in their interest?

The Call to Action – Forming the Committees

The Summit’s work will conclude with the formation of three committees to develop long-term strategies to pursue integration, economic opportunity, and other fundamental civil rights objectives. 

  • Litigation Strategy
    A committee of leading civil rights, government and academic lawyers and scholars to collectively discuss and pursue critical litigation that supports a racially integrated America.
  • Legislative Strategy
    A committee of leading social scientists, planners, and local government scholars, to shape draft legislation and other proposed reforms that promote integration and strengthen the civil rights coalition.
  • Organizing Strategy
    A committee to explore ways to join the disparate strands of organizing power in America into a mutually beneficial coalition capable of grassroots organizing action, uniting progressive elements of the labor movement, civil rights organizations, and faith-based leadership.