The Truman Civil Rights Symposium opens with a dramatic program featuring Rep. James E. Clyburn, and Judge Richard Gergel, United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and author of Unexampled Courage: The Blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard and the Awakening of President Harry S. Truman and Judge J. Waties Waring, and, Dr. Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress.

Moderated by Eugene Robinson, a leading panel will explore the history of African American military service from the American Revolution through WWII.

Journalist Michele Norris leads a panel of experts as they explore President Truman’s decision to desegregate the military. What were the consequences of E.O. 9981, and how did it impact subsequent American conflicts?

This public program is offered in conjunction with the Truman Civil Rights Symposium, a three-day national commemoration honoring the 75th anniversary of President Truman’s executive order to desegregate the U.S. Armed Forces.

This public program is offered in conjunction with the Truman Civil Rights Symposium, a three-day national commemoration honoring the 75th anniversary of President Truman’s executive order to desegregate the U.S. Armed Forces.

Moderated by Theodore “Ted” R. Johnson, the final program of the Truman Civil Rights Symposium looks ahead to ask where we are going as a nation pledged to human rights and equality, in light of the history of E.O. 9981 and the experiences of African American veterans.