AUSTIN, TX - From April 8-10, 2019, the LBJ Foundation will host The Summit on Race in America, a seminal event to explore our nation's continuing racial divide and struggle for racial equality. Civil rights icons will be joined by esteemed leaders, activists, musicians, comedians, and other artists for open, candid discussions on the failures, progress, and challenges our country faces on race today. The three-day summit will be held at the LBJ Presidential Library, on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.
“In 1965, President Johnson began his appeal to Americans to support the Voting Rights Act, with the words, 'I speak tonight for the dignity of man and the destiny of democracy.' Today, despite the strides made toward civil rights, racism and bigotry have flared alarmingly, threatening to compromise our nation's dignity, erode our democracy, and define the next era of our country's evolution. In convening notable leaders, activists, and artists representing myriad perspectives, we hope The Summit on Race in America will foster a deeper understanding of the challenges our country faces on the pressing issue of race and strengthen our resolve for meaningful change towards greater unity.”
Mark K. Updegrove
LBJ Foundation President & CEO
Major participants at the Summit include Andrew Young, former UN Ambassador and civil rights legend; Dolores Huerta, founder and president, Dolores Huerta Foundation and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom; Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative; Brittany Packnett, co-host of Pod Save the People and Teach for America's Vice President of National Community Alliances; Valerie Jarrett, the longest serving advisor to President Obama and author of Finding My Voice; Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State; comedians Dulcé Sloan and Aparna Nancherla; musician Wyclef Jean, and many others to be announced.
Through conversations, performances, film clips, and presentations, the Summit will take on several of the issues of our time—including voting rights, immigration, movement building, economic empowerment, and the portrayal of race through the media. The Summit will conclude with a preview of the Library's new exhibit celebrating the 60th anniversary of Motown Records, Motown: The Sound of Young America, curated by the GRAMMY Museum with support from the Motown Museum in Detroit, which opens to the public on Saturday, April 13.
The LBJ Presidential Library is known as a preeminent venue for thought leadership and has a long history of hosting distinguished speakers throughout the political spectrum. The Summit on Race in America will be in keeping with both the LBJ Foundation and LBJ Library's focus on issues relating to civil rights and social justice, an endemic part of President Johnson's legacy.
Attendance to the Summit is free and open to the public, and tickets to each day will be made available beginning March 25.
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LBJ Presidential Library
The LBJ Presidential Library, located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, is one of 13 presidential libraries administered by
the National Archives and Records Administration. Dedicated in May 1971, it is the nation's fifth presidential library. Its mission is to preserve and protect the historical materials in its collections and make them readily
accessible; to increase public awareness of the American experience through relevant exhibitions and educational programs; and to advance the LBJ Library's standing as a center for intellectual activity and community leadership
while meeting the challenges of a changing world.
LBJ Foundation
The LBJ Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was created by President and Mrs. Johnson to support the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
Through the fundraising efforts of its Board of Trustees, the Foundation provides support to the Library that enhances quality programming, expands educational outreach and exhibits, and administers grants for researchers and
scholars. The Foundation supports the LBJ School in the outstanding education that it provides its graduate students in public policy and governmental affairs, community outreach, and the exploration of global initiatives. One
looks to the past and the other to the future, providing an ongoing legacy for President Johnson's accomplishments and his vision for our nation.
Media Contacts
Jim Popkin, Seven Oaks Media Group
C: (202) 253-7959
jim@sevenoaksmedia.com
Ryann Collier, Arrow
C: (972) 567-4246
ryann@arrowatwork.com