Monday, January 12, 2004

MEMORANDUM

TO: Media

RE: Kickoff Reception for Brown v. Board of Education Events

7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, Randall Library Special Collections

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend the opening reception of an exciting semester-long UNC Wilmington program of lectures, classes, films, and community dialogue focused on the topic: Brown v. Board of Education and How It has Changed us. At the reception, guests will have the opportunity to discuss how this learning communities initiative came about, program highlights, and its relevance to Southeastern North Carolina today with behind-the-scenes organizers and select presenters. A full schedule of events is available at the Web site: http://www.uncw.edu/brownlc.

Please join us at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, at Randall Library in the Special Collections room on the second floor. Please call me if you have any questions.



Background

In Spring 2004, The University of North Carolina at Wilmington will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education (May 17, 1954), the Supreme Court decision that ended the doctrine of “separate but equal” as a constitutional principle. It does not matter how one views the impact of this decision; there is no denial that it brought tremendous change in the social fabric of the nation. And thus begins our dialogue.



The university, through the voices and actions of its students, faculty, staff and friends, will engage in a Community Dialogue to explore the judicial, social and moral significance of the landmark decision both in historical perspective as well as in its multi-dimensional aftermath. Brown v. Board of Education compels us to ask what is the meaning of equality and American citizenship. UNCW will coordinate educational and cultural events within the context of the dialogue for the purpose of increasing awareness of and appreciation for our history, our society, our rights and our liberty, as well as the continuous pursuit of the promise of democracy.



The dialogue will be initiated in early 2004 and will continue throughout the spring. A broad range of activities will provide ample opportunity for all segments of the university community, including residents of the region, to participate. Among the many activities scheduled are: a keynote address on January 22, 2004, a part of UNCW’s celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; scholarly symposia on the meaning of Brown v. Board of Education; performances in the arts; and numerous other events and classes.

Media Contacts: Dr. Raymond Burt (910)962-4095, Dr. Denis Carter (910)962-3540, or Dr. Thomas Schmid (910)962-3409.