Lloyd Gaines and the Fight to End Segregation

We're very proud to be partnering with one of our sponsors, the University of Missouri Press, to present a high-powered panel on a topic that could not be more timely or important. This is one of the most important events at this year's festival, and we're very excited about it.

Lloyd Gaines and the Fight to End Segregation tells the story of Lloyd Gaines's application to the University of Missouri Law School in 1936. Gaines was African-American, and his application was denied on the basis of his race. Gaines and the NAACP challenged the decision, and the case went all the way to the Supreme Court. It was the first in a long line of Supreme Court decisions regarding race, higher education, and equal opportunity. The case drew national attention, and Gaines himself was the subject of death threats.

This panel, moderated by Gary Kremer of the State Historical Society, will feature the two authors of the work, James W. Endersby and William T. Horner, and Interim UM System President Michael Middleton and Interim Vice Chancellor of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, Chuck Henson. It promises to be a compelling and fascinating discussion which will bring this important landmark in the history of social justice right up to date and examine some of the challenges that still remain, eighty years on. 

The panel is scheduled to begin at 1.30 at the Windsor Auditorium, on Stephens College campus. Get there early on April 23 to guarantee a seat!