Speaker: Dr. Yohuru Williams

Course Dates: Mondays, May 6th, 13th, and 20th

Course Time: 5:00 pm PST - 6:30 pm PST (8:00 pm EST to 9:30 pm EST)

This course will delve into the complex tapestry of social, economic, and political ramifications resulting from pivotal Supreme Court decisions. From the notorious Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which upheld racial segregation, to the transformative Brown v. Board of Education (1954), striking down state-sponsored segregation in public schools, participants will analyze how these decisions reverberated through American society.

Special emphasis will be placed on landmark cases such as Shelby County v. Holder (2013), which dismantled key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, exploring its profound impact on the political landscape, and voting rights. The course concludes with an examination of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023), probing the contemporary intersection of race and higher education. Through critical analysis and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate connections between legal decisions and the social, economic, and political dynamics that have shaped African American constitutional history.