The University of Tennessee at Martin’s Civil Rights Conference seeks to foster dialogue and understanding around issues related to civil rights, equality, and justice. Through a series of dynamic voices, the CRC hopes to broaden students’ educational experience and enhance their understanding on the American Civil Rights Movement and its relationship to current events and social issues. The monthlong conference brings academic and regional communities together to recognize the ongoing work promoting civil rights. The Civil Rights Conference will also serve as a source for the preservation and documentation of civil rights history.
Keynote Speakers
Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Civil rights activist, award-winning journalist, and former foreign news correspondent was among the first Black students admitted to the University of Georgia in 1961
Feb. 4, 6p.m. - Watkins Auditorium
José Hernández
Former NASA astronaut, engineer, and entrepreneur shares his journey from working on produce farms to working in space
Feb. 11, 6p.m. - Watkins Auditorium
Michael Eric Dyson
Social justice activist, political analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and distinguished academic brings his unique insight to events and issues of the day
Feb. 17, 6p.m. - Watkins Auditorium
Schedule of Events
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CRC - From Then to Now
Monday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Panel discussion with the original and subsequent UTM Civil Rights Conference organizers to talk about the purpose and mission of the event celebrating 25 years. -
Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Civil rights activist, award-winning journalist, and former foreign news correspondent was among the first Black students admitted to the University of Georgia in 1961. -
Financial Literacy Workshop
Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m.
UC 206
Session to help students make wise financial decisions now and after graduation. -
A Million Miles Away
Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Screening of 2023 film about the life of migrant farm worker and astronaut José Hernández. -
Strength, Courage, and Wisdom Art Exhibition
Feb. 10 - Feb. 28
Along the UC Welcome Center Hallway
Artwork created by students in the UTM Visual and Theatre Arts Department. -
Night of Dance
Monday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Presentations by UTM Dance Students and guest drummer Jorge Felix. -
José Hernández
Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Former NASA astronaut, engineer, and entrepreneur shares his journey from working on produce farms to working in space. -
Behind the Scenes: Black Students Navigating a PWI Campus
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
UC 206
Student-led session highlighting the benefits and challenges of attending a predominantly White institution. -
Michael Eric Dyson
Monday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Social justice activist, political analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and distinguished academic brings his unique insight to events and issues of the day. -
International Studies: Global Lessons for Understanding Each Other
Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
UTM scholars discuss lessons learned about justice and equity while studying abroad. -
Student Art Awards: Strength, Courage, and Wisdom Art Exhibition
Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Students in the UTM Visual and Theatre Arts Department share the inspiration behind their work. -
Weakley County Reconciliation Project: Honest Conversations
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
UC 206
Audience activity using conversational card prompts to better understand race. -
Minorities in Meteorology
Monday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.
UC 111
Student-led panel discussing career expectations and challenges for persons of color in meteorology. -
Assessing the Changes at Hand
Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
Watkins Auditorium
Panel discussion on cultural and social shifts for Americans.
*All events will be held in the Boling University Center unless noted otherwise.
Goals
- Serve the West Tennessee community of people, students, and scholars
- Increase awareness of and document civil rights history in West Tennessee and the nation
- Increase awareness of students, faculty, and staff of equity and justice issues
- Promote an atmosphere conducive to increased knowledge and understanding of African American culture and issues
- Offer students an opportunity to interact with civil rights leaders through oral interviews, historical internships, and other activities
- Encourage student participation in and training for the preparation of conferences
- Promote the study of history and culture
History
In February 2001, at the urging of alumnus Judge Tommy Moore, the first Tom Elam History Roundtable was hosted by the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Department of History and Political Science. The theme centered on the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike. From the very beginning, this project was structured to expand outward, and to reverberate beyond the Department of History and Political Science (now Department of History and Philosophy). The planning committee decided to hold a series of conferences about the history of West Tennessee’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Soon after, committee members began planning for a second conference in 2002, on the theme of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court redistricting case Baker v. Carr, with the goal of establishing an annual event.
The UTM Civil Rights Conference aims to document living history by featuring speakers and panelists who are involved in the work of promoting equity and justice. The event also recognizes outstanding contributions by Americans who are dedicated to advancing equity and justice. Through nationally renowned speakers, conference proceedings, exhibits, and cultural performances, UT Martin has become a source for the preservation and documentation of civil rights history in West Tennessee and the nation. The Civil Rights Conference has expanded into a monthlong event bringing scholars and justice advocates like Michael Eric Dyson, Nikki Giovanni, UTM alumnus Van Jones, Robin DiAngelo, Tim Wise, Rev. William Barber, Cyntoia Brown, and Joan Trumpauer Mulholland to conference audiences. UTM is the only university in the country that hosts a civil rights conference that spans one month. Our livestreaming capabilities have also enhanced our audience and participant base.
UTM’s Civil Rights Conference is an extension of the classroom, giving students the opportunity to engage with presenters not only at the scholarly level, but at the personal level. Visits to historically and culturally significant sites stress the value of those sites and their connections to history. Examining the importance of the Civil Rights Movement for today, exploring one's values, and getting to know one another encourages knowledge and promotes understanding in the spirit of unity, which are central tenets of Dr. Martin Luther King's philosophy.
CRC Committee Composition
Henri Giles, Chair
Kameron R. Echols
Danny Wayne Pirtle, Jr.
Dominique Crockett
Austin Shamar Ferrell
Justice Watkins
ZeVida A. Jones
Samantha Hutcherson
Alisha Melton