The Summit on Race in America
"I speak tonight for the dignity of man and the destiny of democracy."
President Lyndon Baines Johnson used those words in March 1965 to open his most resonant speech, his appeal to the nation to support voting rights as a sacred trust in his quest toward equal rights for all Americans. But as LBJ knew, the destiny of democracy is not preordained. It is in the hands of every generation of Americans with a charge to leave it stronger for the next. The salvation of history must be earned in our times.
Despite the strides made toward civil rights, racism in today's America continues to be a pressing issue. To that end, last April the LBJ Foundation took a substantive look at the racial divisions we face today at The Summit on Race in America, bringing together activists and thought leaders for conversations, performances, and presentations on the challenges we face on race today and possible solutions to heal the racial divide. The Summit, which was free and open to the public, brought together approximately 4,000 people during the three days of programming to discuss current race-related issues—including voting rights, immigration, movement building, economic empowerment, and the portrayal of race through the media.
Participants at The Summit included civil rights legends Andrew Young and Dolores Huerta; Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State; Bryan Stevenson, founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative; Valerie Jarrett, the longest serving advisor to President Obama; Brittany Packnett, co-host of Pod Save the People and Teach for America's Vice President of National Community Alliances; comedians George Lopez, Sasheer Zamata, Dulcé Sloan, and Aparna Nancherla; and musicians Wyclef Jean and Jimmy Jam. (A full list of participants and video of the programs can be found at lbjsummitonrace.org.)
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Motown Records, The Summit concluded with a preview of the library's exhibit, Motown: The Sound of Young America, which will remain open through January 2020. The Motown legends who joined The Summit on Race in America included: Duke Fakir, founding member of the Four Tops; Claudette Robinson, member of the Miracles; and Mary Wilson, founding member of the Supremes.
"While no exploration of the complex issue of race can be definitive or complete," said LBJ Foundation President and CEO Mark K. Updegrove, "we know that in bringing together myriad voices representing perspectives across the racial divide, The Summit on Race in America promoted a deeper understanding of the challenges our country faces. In doing so, we came one step closer to strengthening our resolve for meaningful change and fostering greater unity among all Americans."