Tanner Lectures on Human Values with Randall L. Kennedy (Harvard Law School) 

A Blueprint for Racial Justice

Thursday, November 14 & Friday, November 15, 2024

4:30-6:30 pm

Friend Center, Lecture Hall 101

Randall L. Kennedy is the Michael R. Klein Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Read his full bio.

Abstract for Professor Kennedy’s lectures

In 1909, people who were disturbed by the racial situation gathered together and created the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People which was born with a statement of purpose:

Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

What would be a suitable statement of purpose, a suitable agenda, and a suitable strategy for those now seeking to effectuate racial justice in America? Answering those questions is Professor Kennedy's mission for the lectures.

Commentators (there will be a total of four)

Two commentators follow each lecture (all commentators are with us both days): Elizabeth Hinton,  Professor of History, African American Studies & Law, Department of History, Yale University; Richard Rothstein, Distinguished Fellow, Economic Policy Institute and  Senior Fellow (emeritus) at the Thurgood Marshall Institute of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund; Olúfẹ́mi O.Táíwò, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Georgetown University; 4th commentator (TBD).