In celebration of the upcoming December opening of the David M. Rubenstein Gallery "Records of Rights" permanent exhibition, and in partnership with the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, we present a distinguished panel of Civil Rights experts focusing on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Moderated by Todd Purdum, nationally recognized political journalist and contributing editor at Vanity Fair, panelists include Carol Moseley Braun, former Senator from Illinois; Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman for the District of Columbia; Charles Ferris, Senator Mansfield’s Chief Counsel during the debate about the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act; James R. Jones, former Congressman from Oklahoma; and political strategist Michael Steele. The panel will examine the political challenges and debate that resulted in this groundbreaking legislation, give a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to pass both acts, and analyze the impact of these laws as we near their 50-year anniversaries. The panel will also discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision to invalidate key parts of the Voting Rights Act.
Welcoming remarks were given by:
* David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
* Connie Morella, President, US Association of Former Members of Congress
Panel:
* Todd Purdum (moderator)
* Carol Moseley Braun
* Eleanor Holmes Norton
* Charles Ferris
* James R. Jones
* Michael Steele
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