Symposium to Mark 60th Anniversary of Brown Decision
Next month marks the 60th anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision that put an end to legalized segregation of U.S. public schools. To commemorate the occasion, George Mason University (VA) is hosting a film screening and symposium on Monday, April 28. (AACTE is a promotional partner for the event.)
The free symposium, titled “Unspoken Histories of Unequal Education,” will kick off with an hors d’oeuvres reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a screening of the film Stolen Education. After the movie, join the filmmaker (Professor Enrique Alemán, Jr., of the University of Utah) and other esteemed panelists to discuss the film and the impact and relevancy of Brown today.
Although the Brown decision focused on integration of African American students, its message of equal rights applied to all—but was not easily accomplished. The film Stolen Education tells the story of Mexican American students (including the filmmaker’s mother) who suffered language-based segregation in Texan schools following the Brown ruling and their successful 1956 lawsuit that ended the discriminatory practice.
Faculty from George Mason will convene the event, which features the following panelists:
- Enrique Alemán, Jr. — Filmmaker of Stolen Education and associate professor, University of Utah
- Gabriel “Asheru” Benn — Hip hop artist and educator
- James Braxton Peterson — Media commentator and associate professor, Lehigh University (PA)
- Tracey Roach — Founder, District Children Rooted by Literacy (5-week D.C. summer program)
- Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA)
To RSVP for the free event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/719761138088373/.
Tags: AACTE in the community, equity, events
