For centuries, America’s democratic ideals have been compromised by the realities of race, class, and gender hierarchy. Today, not only do those realities continue, they are being exploited by the highest offices in the land to sow confusion, and prevent cooperation among Americans of common political interests. How can America finally establish democracy as a reality and work to protect it from anti-democratic forces? This conference will provide the opportunity to answer that question and to register with organizations that are working toward that end.

Speakers:

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
La'Ron Williams, B.F.A., Professional Storyteller and Racial Justice Educator

THE MEANING OF DEMOCRACY IN THE U.S., 1787-1877
Howard Brick, Ph.D., Louis Evans Professor of History, University of Michigan

DEMOCRACY & AMERICA'S CONTRADICTORY REALITY
Peter Hammer, J.D., Ph.D., Director of Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, Professor of Law, Wayne State University

DEMOCRACY OR RACIAL OLIGARCHY?
Vincent Hutchings, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, Research Professor, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan

CLOSING: SIGN-UP FOR DEMOCRACY ACTION GROUPS
La'Ron Williams, B.F.A., Professional Storyteller and Racial Justice Educator